The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has imposed a penalty on AWL Agri Business after laboratory tests found that a batch of its fortified sunflower oil did not meet the required vitamin fortification standards.
The action relates to Fortune Fryola Refined Sunflower Seed Oil, which was found to be non-compliant with the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018. The adjudication order was passed by the designated adjudicating officer in Goa. The amount of the penalty was not disclosed.
According to FSSAI, a one-litre sample of the sunflower oil was collected from Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa in Goa and sent to a food laboratory for testing.
The laboratory analysis found that the levels of Vitamins A and D in the oil were below the prescribed fortification requirements. As a result, the product was classified as “substandard” under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Food fortification regulations require certain fortified products to contain nutrients within prescribed levels so that consumers receive the nutritional benefits mentioned on the product label. Edible oils are among the food categories covered by India’s fortification standards.
The action highlights FSSAI’s focus on ensuring that manufacturers comply with prescribed quality and fortification requirements. It also underlines the importance of maintaining the required levels of added nutrients throughout manufacturing, storage and distribution.
The case comes as FSSAI continues to strengthen enforcement of food quality, labelling and fortification regulations across the country, with greater scrutiny of whether fortified products deliver the nutritional benefits claimed on their packaging.