The department would hold surprise checks at units that manufacture vegetable oil products and solvent extracted products. Besides, the frequency of regular inspection has also been increased.

Last week, the Government had taken a decision to import edible oilseeds. In order to ensure the availability of unadulterated oil at reasonable prices, the Government has also strengthened the public distribution system in edible oils and has made arrangements for the supply of imported oil wherever needed.

All field officers have been instructed to draw samples from all manufacturing units in their zones for purity checks. These officers have also been directed to lift samples from the market.

The Ministry has also strengthened the Consumer Service Centre of the Directorate of Vanaspati,Vegetable Oils and Fats at Super Bazaar (Connaught Place) in the Capital in order to provide testing facilities to the consumer. A fee of Rs 10 is being levied per test, at present.

Besides, the industry has also been directed to check the purity of the raw materials and finished products. Operations are being suspended at manufacturing units that have found items to be adulterated till the time they set up adequate analytical facilities for checking their purity, to the satisfaction of the Government.

The department has already banned the use of mustard oil in the manufacture of vanaspati oil. Besides, the state governments and Union Territories have been asked not to sell mustard oil in loose form. The states have also been directed to monitor the quality of edible oils more stringently.