FSSAI officials seal adulterated oil godown in Kovai

Acting on a tip-off, a team of FSSAI officials led by designated officer Vijayalalithambigai rushed to the oil manufacturing unit owned by one Alfred from Thrissur in Kerala. Two tanker lorries stationed at the spot contained palm oil, reportedly for adulteration purpose. 

Thereafter, the officials took samples of the oil from the tanker lorries in 10 bottles along with samples of packed oil kept for distribution. Following the raid, the FSSAI officials seized nearly 64,777 litre of adulterated oil worth Rs 70 lakh from the godown. The adulterated oil, packed and stocked in cartons, was marketed in the name of popular brands across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. 

Inquiries revealed that palm oil is sourced in bulk for cheap rates from Andhra Pradesh to manufacture adulterated coconut and sunflower oil. The FSSAI officials then sealed the unit and are likely to initiate further action based on the laboratory report, which was yet to be received.