The department has issued show cause notices to some large edible oil companies for non-submission of mandatory monthly production returns, despite repeated reminders
Strengthening regulatory oversight across the edible oil value chain, Centre has issued show cause notices to some large edible oil companies for non-compliance with amended Vegetable Oil Products, Production and Availability (Regulation) (VOPPA) order 2025.
As part of a nationwide compliance drive, Department of Food and Public Distribution (DPFD) has conducted inspection drives to verify NSWS/VOPPA registration, review the accuracy and timeliness of monthly returns and engage with industry to promote compliance.
Based on observations during inspections and subsequent reviews, the department has issued show cause notices to some large edible oil companies for non-submission of mandatory monthly production returns, despite repeated reminders, emails and telephonic communications. Such non-compliance constitutes a contravention of the VOPPA order, 2025, issued under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act 1955, the ministry stated.
The concerned units have been given seven days to submit their written replies explaining why action should not be initiated against them under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act 1955 and the amended VOPPA order 2025.
The department has further clarified that similar show cause notices will be issued to all units that are either not registered under the VOPPA framework or have failed to file mandatory returns, to ensure uniform compliance across the sector. Additionally, inspection drives across multiple edible oil processing units will be carried out on need basis as part of the department’s continued efforts to ensure strict compliance with the amended VOPPA order 2025. Inspections all over and nearby Haryana and Rajasthan has been planned for January 2026.
