Mumbai: CM Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced a one-year transition period for traders selling loose edible oil to shift to packaged edible oil as per existing rules. He said action against loose oil’s sale will be suspended for a year.At a meeting with edible oil traders, it was decided that a joint committee of FDA and trade representatives will be set up to suggest measures and guidance to carry out the necessary changes. Two committees are to be set up—one will study problems faced by traditional businessmen and suggest changes as per law, and the other to create the necessary facilities. A report is to be submitted to govt in a month. Fadnavis said govt will provide help, facilities, grants or subsidies to carry out the changes. FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe was at the meeting.The CM had last week called for a “middle ground” over enforcement of the ban on loose edible oil’s sale and had announced that SOPs would be put in place. The next day, FDA said the ban was non-negotiable but later withdrew the statement.There are 2,103 licensed edible oil traders in the state, of which 370 have licences to sell oil by repackaging and 489 can manufacture it.Meanwhile, the state cabinet decided that only healthy snacks and meals will be served at govt/semi-govt meetings, programmes, training sessions and canteens. tnn
