Experts Say Palm Oil Should Not Be Defamed Without Evidence

NEW DELHI — Palm oil remains important to India’s edible oil security and efforts to reduce import dependence, experts said at a conference this week, while urging that the ingredient not be criticized without adequate scientific evidence.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India said it does not endorse or defame any food ingredient without credible scientific evidence and called for balanced, evidence-based public messaging, according to PHDCCI.

The comments came during a conference on edible oils organized by PHDCCI and the AYUSH Committee. Dr. Alka Rao, adviser at FSSAI, said palm oil continues to be widely used in Indian households and the food industry because of its stability and suitability for high-temperature cooking.

“Our stakeholder consultation framework remains open and inclusive, allowing individuals, industry bodies and experts to present scientific data and perspectives for consideration,” Rao said.

“India’s apex food regulator, FSSAI remains committed to promoting evidence-based nutrition awareness and encouraging balanced, informed dietary choices among consumers,” she said.

The conference drew more than 90 delegates from industry, hospitals and academia. It included three technical sessions on palm oil science, food labels, and saturated and trans fats.

Speakers emphasized palm oil’s role in food security and affordability and called for greater clarity in public discussion.

Dr. Shri Rishi Kant, additional economic adviser in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, said India’s renewed focus on domestic palm oil cultivation is an important step toward strengthening edible oil security and reducing import dependence.

The government is supporting farmers through initiatives such as the National Mission on Edible Oils, which aims to improve infrastructure, provide financial incentives and strengthen market linkages, according to the release.

India has also expanded its oil palm cultivation target from 650,000 hectares to nearly 1 million hectares by 2025-26.

Dr. Vivek Srivastav, chair of the Nutraceuticals Task Force at PHDCCI and CEO of Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd., said palm oil is often misunderstood because of selective interpretation of data and social media narratives.

He said palm oil offers a balanced fatty acid profile and beneficial antioxidants when consumed in moderation.

On sustainability, Srivastav said palm oil is one of the most efficient oil crops and that responsible and sustainable production practices are already being adopted globally.

Dr. Narendra Tripathi, co-chair of the Nutraceuticals Task Force at PHDCCI and assistant vice president of quality and regulatory affairs at Bacfo India Limited, said palm oil is the most consumed vegetable oil in the world, accounting for nearly one-third of global vegetable oil production.

“Its widespread use is not accidental but driven by efficiency, affordability, and versatility. For a country like India, where ensuring food affordability is critical, palm oil plays a significant role in meeting the edible oil demand of millions of households,” Tripathi said. (Source: IANS)