Q11. What is refined vegetable oil?

Refined vegetable oil means any vegetable oil which is obtained by expression or solvent extraction of vegetable oil bearing materials, deacidified with alkali and/or physical refining and/or by miscella refining using permitted food grade solvents and/or degumming using phosphoric/citric acid and any suitable food grade enzyme, followed by bleaching with adsorbent earth and/or activated carbon or both of them and deodourised with steam. No other chemical agent shall be used. The name of the vegetable oil from which the refined oil has been manufactured shall be clearly specified on the label of the container.

Q12. Why is refining required for oils?

As per FSS (Food Products and Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, Cottonseed oil, Mahua Oil, Rice bran Oil, Kokum Fats, Mango Kernel Fats, Dhupa Fat and Phulwara Fat have to be refined before human consumption so as to remove the antinutritional or unsafe substances. However, refining may be done for other vegetable oils also in order to remove the odour and extend their shelf life.

Q13. Can an Import Export Certificate Code (IEC Code) be used to file two separate applications for Importer License?

An Importing FBO can file for only one Importer license with its IEC Code. The Importer cannot submit another application with the same IEC Code after it has been used once unless the applicant deletes the application that is incomplete or have already been submitted.

Q14. Who issues the FSSAI license or registration for food businesses in railways premises or Airport/Seaport?

For Food business premises that are under Railways, the FSSAI licenses or registrations are issued by the FSSAI notified designated officer or Food Safety officers of Railways. The FSSAI license for food businesses in Airport/Seaport are issued by FSSAI notified Airport Health Officer (APHO)/Port Health Officer (PHO).

Q15. Does the export of food products also require No Objection Certificate (NOC) from FSSAI?

For the export of food products from India, there is no requirement of obtaining a NOC from FSSAI.

Q16. Under which circumstances can the Designated Officer (DO) suspend or cancel the FSSAI license or Registration?

The DO may suspend the license of a Food Business Operator (FBO) if they are not complying with the improvement notice. The DO may also cancel the license, after giving the FBO an opportunity to show cause.

Q17. Can FBOs file an appeal against the Improvement notice, cancellation or suspension of FSSAI License?

Yes, any FBO aggrieved by an improvement notice may appeal to the State Food Safety Commissioner whose decision thereon will be final. This can be done within fifteen days from the date on which notice of the decision was served on the FBO desiring to appeal or the period specified in the improvement notice, whichever expires earlier. The decision of the State Commissioner of Food Safety can be challenged in the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal or high court of his respective States or Union territories.

Q18. Are toxic chemicals used for refining the oils? Does industry use toxic chemicals for refining the oils?

Only non-toxic chemicals are permitted for refining.FSSAI and other global agencies permit several processing aids for the refining of oils. Hence, refined oils are totally safe to use as cooking oil. Globally more than 85% of the oils consumed are refined oils.

Q19. Are refined oils safe for health?

 Yes, all refined oils that conform to FSSAI standards are safe for health.Refining increases storage stability.

Q20. Are loose oils safe to use?

Loose edible oils could be adulterated.As such, consumers should not buy loose edible oils. Purchase only packed edible oils