Nepal Tightens Labeling Rules for Edible Oils, Bans Exaggerated Health Claims
Nepal's standards authority has drafted new regulations banning misleading terms like 'anti-cholesterol' and 'heart-friendly' on mustard and sunflower oil packaging. The rules also set strict safety limits for heavy metals, aflatoxins, and peroxide, while mandating detailed labeling and prohibiting repackaging in used containers.
KATHMANDU, Sept 20 — Nepal's government is set to crack down on edible oil manufacturers that use exaggerated marketing language on product labels and packaging, introducing separate standards for mustard oil and sunflower oil.
The Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) has prepared draft amendments to existing edible oil standards. The proposed rules explicitly prohibit 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 the packaging of mustard and sunflower oils.
The new standards impose stricter regulations on production, processing, safety limits, and labeling of mustard oil, while completely banning advertisements and promotional activities that mislead consumers. Under these rules, terms that exaggerate product quality may no longer appear on mustard oil packaging, labels, or advertisements.
Key provisions of the draft standards:
- Oils are categorized into two groups based on production process: pressed oil and solvent-extracted oil.
- Pressed oil includes refined, virgin, and expeller-pressed varieties — all deemed suitable for direct consumption.
- Solvent-extracted oil comprises refined and Grade-1 oils.
- Adulteration with any inedible oil, foreign matter, water, artificial colors or flavors, or toxic substances is strictly prohibited.
- Aflatoxin content must not exceed 30 micrograms per kilogram.
- Peroxide value must not exceed 10 milliequivalents per kilogram.
Mustard oil must be packed exclusively in tin or plastic containers that meet prescribed Nepal Quality Standards. Used tin or plastic containers cannot be reused for repacking edible oil.
The standards also set maximum limits for harmful heavy metals and fungal toxins. The NBSM has capped lead and arsenic at 0.1 milligrams per kg, mercury at 0.25 milligrams per kg, and cadmium at 1.0 milligrams per kg to protect consumer health.
Every tin or packet of oil intended for sale must be clearly labeled in either Nepali or English. The label must specify the product's name, type, and grade; net weight; manufacturer's name, address, and registered trademark; batch or lot number; and month and year of production.