The government is preparing to restrict edible oil manufacturers from using exaggerated and potentially misleading claims on product labels and in advertisements, with new standards being drafted specifically for mustard and sunflower oils.
The Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) has prepared draft amendments to the existing standards for edible oils, proposing tighter requirements for production, processing, safety and product labeling.
Under the proposed standards, manufacturers would be prohibited from using terms such as “super-refined,” “extra-refined,” “micro-refined,” “double-refined,” “ultra-refined,” “anti-cholesterol,” “cholesterol fighter,” “beneficial for the heart,” “cholesterol-friendly” and “saturated fat-free” on mustard and sunflower oil packaging and promotional materials.
The proposed standards also seek to prohibit advertisements and promotional activities that could mislead consumers. Claims that exaggerate the quality or health benefits of mustard oil would not be permitted on product packaging, labels or advertisements.
The standards classify edible oil into two broad categories based on the production process: pressed oil and solvent-extracted oil. Pressed oils include refined, virgin and expeller-pressed varieties, all of which are classified as suitable for direct consumption. Solvent-extracted oils include refined and Grade-1 varieties.
The proposed regulations also impose strict restrictions on adulteration. Edible oil cannot be mixed with inedible oil, foreign matter, water, artificial colors or flavors, or toxic substances.
The standards set a maximum aflatoxin level of 30 micrograms per kilogram and a maximum peroxide value of 10 milliequivalents per kilogram.
For mustard oil, the proposed standards require products to be packed exclusively in tin or plastic containers that comply with prescribed Nepal Quality Standards. Manufacturers would not be allowed to reuse previously used tin or plastic containers for repackaging edible oil.
The draft standards also establish maximum permissible limits for harmful heavy metals and fungal toxins to protect consumer health. The maximum limits have been set at 0.1 milligrams per kilogram each for lead and arsenic, 0.25 milligrams per kilogram for mercury and 1.0 milligrams per kilogram for cadmium.
The proposed rules further make clear labeling mandatory for all oil containers and packets intended for sale. Labels must be provided in either Nepali or English and include the product’s name, type and grade, net weight, manufacturer’s name and address, registered trademark, batch or lot number, and month and year of production.
The proposed measures are aimed at strengthening quality control in the edible oil market, preventing misleading marketing claims and providing consumers with clearer information about the products they purchase.
