Nepal to enforce stricter standards for edible oil production and labeling

The government of Nepal is preparing to enforce stricter quality, production, and labeling standards for edible oils, including mustard, soybean, and sunflower oils. The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control and the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology have drafted amendments to prevent misleading marketing and ensure consumer safety.

Under the new regulations, manufacturers are prohibited from using exaggerated terms on packaging or in advertisements, such as ‘super-refined’, ‘extra-refined’, ‘anti-cholesterol’, or ‘beneficial for the heart’. The standards categorize oils based on production methods, distinguishing between pressed oils suitable for direct consumption and solvent-extracted oils that may require further processing.

To ensure purity, the regulations set strict limits on toxic substances, including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Additionally, the standards prohibit the adulteration of oil with inedible substances, water, or artificial colors, and mandate that mustard oil be packed exclusively in new, prescribed tin or plastic containers to prevent the risks associated with reused packaging.