Fat Spreads


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General Parameters

Fat

Fat and oils are a major ingredient of fat spread. As per Food Safety and Standards Regulations, fat in fat spread should not be less than 40 per cent by weight and also be not more than 80 per cent.

  • Fat in all brands was found to be within the prescribed legal limit.
  • Highest fat percentage was found in Delicious (74.67per cent), and the lowest in Amul Lite (69.78 percent).

Melting Point of Extracted Fat

Melting point of fat is the upper limit of the temperature at which the melting of fat takes place. As per FSS Regulations, in fat spread the melting point of extracted fat should not be more than 37 degrees centigrade. Normal human body temperature is 37 degrees centigrade. Hence, a lower melting point is better for consumers.

  • The melting point of extracted fat was within the prescribed limit in all brands.
  • Melting point of extracted fat was lowest in Nutrela (28.2 degrees centigrade) and highest in Amul Lite (34.2 degrees centigrade).

Acid Value of Extracted Fat

The acid value is a common parameter in the specification of fats and oils and it is a measure of the free fatty acids (FFA) present in the fat or oil. FFAs are a source of flavours and aromas. These flavors and aromas are considered to be a defect in oils and fats. As per FSS Regulations, in fat spread the acid value of extracted fat should not be more than 0.5. So, lower is better for consumers.

  • Acid value of extracted fat was lowest in Amul Lite (0.21) and highest in Nutralite and Delicious (0.49).

Moisture

As per FSS Regulations, moisture in fat spread should not be more than 56 per cent and not less than 16 per cent by weight.

  • Moisture percentage in all brands was found within the prescribed legal limits.

    • Vitamin A (micro gram/100 grams)

    Vitamin A plays an important role in healthy bone growth, supports the immune system, and is essential for reproduction. It also supports skin health and is critical for good vision. As per FSS Regulations, fortification of fat spread with Vitamin A is mandatory.

    All the four brands have claimed on the label that they added 900 micro grams of Vitamin A in 100 grams of fat spread.

  • Vitamin A was found highest in Nutralite (1,110.29 micro grams/100 grams) and lowest in Nutrela (353.4 micro grams/100 grams).

    • Marking

    The following information shall be clearly and indelibly marked on the label of each container/ packet as per Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations and Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules:

    • Name of the product
    • Trade name, if any
    • Name and address of manufacturer
    • Batch or code number
    • Net quantity in grams
    • List of ingredients in descending order
    • Month and year of manufacture
    • ‘Best before’ (month and year to be indicated)
    • Nutritional information
    • FSSAI license number
    • Logo indicating ‘vegetarian’ status (green dot)
    • Storage information
    • AGMARK logo
    • Maximum Retail Price (MRP)
    • Customer-care details
  • All brands provided the required information on their labels.

    • Customer-Care Details

    As per Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, every package shall bear the name, address, telephone number, and email address, if available, of the person who can be – or the office that can be – contacted in case of consumer complaints.