Health Minister Veena George stated that the intensified inspections were prompted by complaints about coconut oil quality following the price surge.
Published Aug 14, 2025 | 8:27 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 14, 2025 | 8:27 AM
Operation Nalikera.
Amid rising coconut oil prices in Kerala, the Food Safety Department launched Operation Nalikera, a swift and targeted inspection of coconut oil production and sales outlets. During the operation, a total of 16,565 litres of suspicious coconut oil were seized across seven districts.
Health Minister Veena George stated that the intensified inspections were prompted by complaints about coconut oil quality following the price surge.
Kollam reported the largest seizure, with 9,337 litres of coconut oil, including 5,800 litres of Kera Surya and Kera Haritham brands, packed for sale using fake FSSAI numbers and addresses. In Mannarasala, 2,480 litres of substandard Hari Geetham coconut oil were confiscated, while 6,530 litres of counterfeit coconut oil were seized in Alappuzha.
In Kozhikode, Food Safety Chief Zakkir Hussain told South First that 60 samples had been sent last month and the department is awaiting clinical results. Yesterday, two squads inspected multiple locations but did not find any malpractice. They also sent five additional samples of popular brands in the market for testing.
He added that Operation Nalikera was launched in response to the coconut oil price hike and ahead of Onam, to ensure harmful oil does not reach consumers.
“Every year, we conduct drives like this. This is a special operation, and across the state, we have sent around 200 coconut oil samples. The inspections will continue in the coming weeks,” he said.
In addition to Kollam, Alappuzha, and Kozhikode, inspections covered Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Kannur. Authorities collected 11 statutory samples and 20 surveillance samples during the operation. Special squads, led by Assistant Food Safety Commissioners from various districts, carried out the inspections.
Consumers are urged to report any concerns about coconut oil quality via the toll-free number 1800 425 1125.
