Fake oil alert: As coconut oil prices hit record high, adulterated products flood market
Coconut oil adulteration is on the rise due to soaring prices, leading to health concerns as fake or blended oils enter the market.
Coconut oil adulteration is on the rise due to soaring prices, leading to health concerns as fake or blended oils enter the market.
Coconut oil adulteration is on the rise due to soaring prices, leading to health concerns as fake or blended oils enter the market.
Kottayam: With the price of coconut oil continuing to rise sharply, adulterated oils masquerading as pure coconut oil are making their way into the market, raising serious health concerns.
Blended coconut oil brands, made by mixing pure coconut oil with other edible oils, are already available in the open market and are now being sold at significantly lower prices. While the market price of one litre of pure coconut oil is around Rs 440, blended variants are available for at least Rs 100 less. Since the added oils are often tasteless and odourless, the strong aroma and flavour of coconut oil dominate the blend.
Regulations require that all ingredients used in such blends must be clearly listed on the label. If a product is sold without proper labelling or ingredient disclosure, it is considered a fake product and is punishable under the law.
In a recent test conducted by the Food Safety Department, a particular coconut oil brand was found to be adulterated. Its samples have been sent to the food lab in Thiruvananthapuram for further analysis. The results, however, are expected to take at least two months.
Despite rising prices, traders say the coconut oil market remains largely unaffected. Although there is a marginal dip in consumption, the number of people switching to alternative oils is still low.
In January this year, the wholesale price of coconut oil was Rs 210 per litre. It has since increased to Rs 390 in the wholesale market, while the retail price has touched Rs 440. Traders warn that prices may exceed Rs 500 during the Onam season.
Tips to reduce coconut oil consumption:
- Use pressure cookers, slow cookers, microwaves, air fryers or grill pans to reduce the need for oil.
- Opt for non-stick cookware instead of traditional iron or Chinese vessels.
- Stainless steel vessels that retain heat well can also help reduce oil usage, as food is less likely to stick even with minimal oil.
- In dishes that include grated coconut, try replacing part of the coconut content with onions or shallots. It may enhance the taste while reducing the need for coconut oil.
- Prepare items like thoran or mezhukkupuratti using steam, and add just one spoon of coconut oil at the end for seasoning shallots or mustard seeds.
- For deep frying, use smaller vessels to limit the quantity of oil required.