The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has imposed a penalty on edible oil major AWL Agri Business Ltd for manufacturing and marketing substandard fortified sunflower cooking oil under its popular Fortune brand. The action was taken after a product sample failed to meet the prescribed food safety standards during laboratory testing.
According to FSSAI, a sample of Fortune “Fryola” refined sunflower seed oil collected from Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa in Goa was found to have Vitamin A and Vitamin D levels below the limits specified under the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018. The regulator classified the product as substandard under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Following an appeal by the company, the sample was re-examined by a referral laboratory, which confirmed that the Vitamin D content was significantly below the required range. Subsequently, the Central Licensing Authority approved prosecution proceedings, leading to an adjudication order and penalty against AWL Agri Business Ltd.
The exact amount of the penalty has not been disclosed by FSSAI. The regulator has intensified action against food business operators and online platforms for violations related to food quality and safety regulations.
The development comes as food safety authorities continue to strengthen monitoring of packaged food products and ensure compliance with established quality standards across the industry.