(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news item captioned `Concern over spurt in edible oil imports` as reported in `The Hindu` dated July 7, 2000;
(b) if so, whether the quality of imported edible oil was tested;
(c) if so, the results thereof;
(d) whether the Government have made imports of edible oils without keeping in mind the
availability of edible oils in the domestic market; and
(e) if so, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION ( SHRI SHANTA KUMAR )
(a),(b),(c),(d) & (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a),(b),(c),(d) & (e) OF THE STARRED QUESTION NO. 290
FOR ANSWER IN THE LOK SABHA ON 11-8-2000.
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) & (c): In terms of the provisions of PFA Act and Rules thereunder as also the
instructions issued by the Health Ministry, the import of edible oil is required to be tested
for ascertaining conformity to the standards of quality as laid down under PFA Act and Rules
thereunder before the imported oil is cleared and allowed to enter into the country.
(d) & (e): No Sir. As far as the import of edible oil on Government account is concerned,
such imports have been made keeping in view the need to supply oil at reasonable prices to the
card holders through the PDS. In view of the comfortable price and availability situation in
the country, Government have restricted such imports to meet only the committed requirements
indicated by the State Governments.