Question : QUALITY OF EDIBLE OIL

(a) whether the number of patients suffering from diseases caused due to increase in bad cholesterol level has risen in the recent times and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the refined/edible oils being used non-a-days are also responsible for the said rise and if so, the details thereof and the corrective action taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether the Government has carried out regular tests of the popular edible oil brands available in the market for ascertaining their conformity to the norms prescribed by the Government; and

(d) if so, the details and the outcome thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a) & (b): Data regarding number of patients suffering from diseases caused due to increase in bad cholesterol level is not maintained centrally.

According to WHO Report on ‘Non Communicable Diseases Country Profile, 2011’, around 27% of the Indian population (=25 years) is estimated to be suffering from raised cholesterol level (Total Cholesterol levels >190 mg/dl).

Intake of high quantity of fat/oil along with the type of fat (especially saturated fatty acids) are known to affect the blood cholesterol levels.

Under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardio-vascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), awareness generation activities undertaken by the State Government have also been supplemented by the Ministry. In addition, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities including promotion of healthy life style habits, intake of appropriate diet, etc. are also being carried out through Prasar Bharti under the ‘Swasth Bharat Programme’.

(c) to (d): Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) informed that as per the data received by them from the States/UTs, 6560 samples of packed and loose edible oil were lifted for testing and out of these 851 were found misbranded / unsafe / sub-standard by the States / UTs. The respective States/UTs are taking action as per Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.