Samia Tasnim
Edible oil is one of the most essential food items used daily by people from all walks of life. Beyond meeting daily energy needs, vitamin-fortified edible oil plays a crucial role in addressing population-level nutrient deficiencies and improving overall public health. This is precisely why, under the law, marketing edible oil without vitamin A fortification is a punishable offense. Yet research reveals a disturbing reality; 59 percent of edible oil sold in drums contains no vitamin A at all, and 34 percent fails to meet the required level—an issue that is deeply concerning.
Why is vitamin A fortification so critical? According to the National Micronutrient Survey 2019–20, 50.9 percent of children aged six to 59 months and 7.5 percent of women aged 15 to 49 years (non-pregnant and non-lactating) in Bangladesh suffer from vitamin A deficiency. A lack of vitamin A can lead to night blindness, dry eyes and corneal damage, increased susceptibility to infections, and impaired growth and development. Over time, such deficiencies contribute to broader malnutrition, heightening the risk of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
To combat vitamin A deficiency among the general population, Bangladesh enacted the “Edible Oil Vitamin A Fortification Act” in 2013, followed by detailed regulations in 2015. Under this law, all edible oils marketed in the country (soybean oil, palm oil, palm olein, and other internationally recognized vegetable oils) must be fortified with vitamin A at prescribed levels. The standard requires 15 to 30 parts per million (ppm), meaning each gram of oil must contain at least 0.015 mg and no more than 0.030 mg of vitamin A. The law also prohibits the sale of edible oil without proper fortification symbols or in packaging made from materials harmful to health.
Despite this robust legal framework, the widespread practice of selling loose edible oil in unhygienic, non-food-grade drums has become a major obstacle to effective implementation of the law and to achieving the government’s broader nutrition and public health goals. Research conducted by icddr,b found that 59 percent of loose oil samples contained no vitamin A, nearly one-third had levels below the required standard, and only 7 percent met the minimum government benchmark. This situation poses a serious threat to public health.
It is important to note that the drums used to transport edible oil are not manufactured domestically for this purpose. Instead, old containers previously used for storing chemicals, lubricants, or other industrial products are reused, posing severe health risks. These drums often lack proper labeling or traceability, making it difficult to identify the oil’s source and weakening enforcement of existing laws. Repeated use of non-food-grade plastic drums can cause harmful chemicals to leach into the oil, while open storage also increases the risk of adulteration.
The sale of loose edible oil in unsafe drums is not merely a food safety concern; it is a silent source of long-term public health risk. Although the Ministry of Industries has issued directives at various times, effective enforcement remains inadequate. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated, evidence-based action from all relevant stakeholders.
First, edible oil must be marketed exclusively in food-grade bottles or pouches, replacing unsafe drums. Second, regular joint monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that oils are fortified with vitamin A at the prescribed levels. Third, policymakers, producers, suppliers, and consumers must be clearly informed about the health risks and nutritional losses associated with loose oil sold in drums. Fourth, consumers should be encouraged to avoid unhealthy loose oil and opt for safe, packaged alternatives. Fifth, in the broader interest of public health, providing technical support and appropriate incentives to edible oil businesses should be considered.
Ultimately, ensuring a safe and sustainable edible oil system requires necessary amendments to, and strict enforcement of, laws and regulations on vitamin A fortification. It is expected that the government will take effective steps to halt the transportation and marketing of edible oil in open drums, keeping public health as the highest priority.
Author: Nutritionist, Anwer Khan Modern Diagnostic Centre & Hospital
