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Crime
Kota’s Keshav Agro Industries seized 600 kg of refined rice‑bran oil alleged to be sold as premium wood‑pressed oil
✍️ Amar Ujala · Kota
🗓 04 Sep 2026, 03:35 PM
👁 4
Rajasthan food‑safety officials confiscated 600 kg of refined rice‑bran oil from Keshav Agro Industries in Kota after alleging the firm intended to market it online as expensive wood‑pressed oil.
Food‑safety officials in Rajasthan conducted a raid on the oil‑packing unit of Keshav Agro Industries in Kota’s Rangbadi area, seizing approximately 600 kg of refined rice‑bran oil. The seizure was carried out after a preliminary investigation flagged the product for possible misbranding.
Authorities allege that the company was preparing to list the refined oil on e‑commerce platforms under the label “wood‑pressed oil,” a premium category that commands a significantly higher price than standard refined oil. Investigators say the plan was to profit from the price differential by misleading consumers.
The operation was undertaken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, which prohibits false representation of food products. Mislabeling a refined oil as wood‑pressed can attract penalties, including fines and possible suspension of the business licence.
If sold as advertised, consumers would have paid a premium for a product that does not possess the claimed processing method or nutritional profile. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about food‑grade fraud in the region’s growing edible‑oil market.
The food‑safety team has opened a formal case, and further forensic testing of the seized oil is underway. No arrests have been reported so far, but the investigation will determine whether additional legal action is warranted.
Authorities allege that the company was preparing to list the refined oil on e‑commerce platforms under the label “wood‑pressed oil,” a premium category that commands a significantly higher price than standard refined oil. Investigators say the plan was to profit from the price differential by misleading consumers.
The operation was undertaken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, which prohibits false representation of food products. Mislabeling a refined oil as wood‑pressed can attract penalties, including fines and possible suspension of the business licence.
If sold as advertised, consumers would have paid a premium for a product that does not possess the claimed processing method or nutritional profile. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about food‑grade fraud in the region’s growing edible‑oil market.
The food‑safety team has opened a formal case, and further forensic testing of the seized oil is underway. No arrests have been reported so far, but the investigation will determine whether additional legal action is warranted.