Sale of adulterated coconut oil: farmers elated over SHRC’s intervention

Farmers in the upland areas of Kozhikode district have welcomed the intervention of the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) following complaints regarding the alleged large-scale manufacture and sale of adulterated coconut oil in various parts of the State. They said the move reflected the mounting anxiety among consumers, particularly, in rural areas, over escalating prices and declining product quality.

Acting on a petition over the sale of impure coconut oil in north Kerala districts, the Commission directed the Food Safety Commissioner to conduct an urgent inquiry and file a report within 15 days. The matter would be considered at the Commission’s next sitting at the PWD Rest House in Kozhikode.

“We were expecting strong action against the unfair trade practice. There should also be flash inspections at units producing adulterated coconut oil,” said A.K. Vijayan, a coconut farmer from Kuttiyadi. He added that a ban on a few illegal brands alone would have a lasting impact.

In the order, SHRC judicial member K. Byjunath observed that complaints about the sale of adulterated oil at prices significantly lower than that of genuine coconut oil warranted immediate scrutiny by an expert team. Drawing the Commission’s attention, the petitioners contended that certain distributors in Kozhikode city, Wayanad district, and Vadakara village were supplying substandard oil at rates far below the prevailing market price of nearly ₹400 a kg for pure coconut oil, raising serious public health concerns.

The complainants further alleged the involvement of supply chains with links beyond Kerala in pushing the suspected products into local markets. Small-scale mill owners and farmers also voiced concern over the price disparity, warning that such practices could undermine traditional coconut-based livelihood and destabilise the agrarian economy.

Though the Food Safety department had recently intensified inspections and seized adulterated consignments in its enforcement drives, the protesting farmers said the Commission’s directive would add urgency and accountability to maintain the process and step up vigil. They also pointed out that the department squads’ action five years ago had led to the ban of over 40 illegal oil brands in the State.

“The main buyers of the polluted edible oil are a few hoteliers who cash in on the sale of cheap products. There are also wayside eateries and junk food outlets that depend on the steady supply of adulterated oil,” said V. Philip, a farmer from Kutityadi. He added that there were even hoteliers who increased the price of food items citing the high price of coconut oil, hiding the fact that they were using adulterated oil.