New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has imposed a penalty on AWL Agri Business Ltd, the maker of Fortune edible oils, for manufacturing and marketing a substandard fortified sunflower oil after laboratory tests found vitamin levels below the prescribed standards.

The action relates to Fortune "Fryola" Refined Sunflower Seed Oil (1 litre), a sample of which was collected by FSSAI officials from Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa in Goa during an inspection.

In a post on social media on Friday, the food regulator said an adjudication order had been issued against the company.

The order was passed against AWL Agri Business Ltd's Mangalore unit for "manufacturing and marketing a substandard fortified edible oil (Fortune "Fryola" refined sunflower seed oil)," the FSSAI said.

According to the regulator, the primary food laboratory found that the product failed to meet the standards laid down under the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018.

"The levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin D were below the prescribed limits, thereby declaring the product substandard under Section 3(1)(zx) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006," the regulator said.

Following an appeal by the company, the sample was tested again by a referral laboratory, which also found that the Vitamin D content was significantly below the prescribed range.

After the findings were confirmed, the Central Licensing Authority granted sanction for prosecution, leading to adjudication proceedings.

"The Adjudicating Officer, Goa, passed the adjudication order and imposed a penalty on AWL Agri Business Ltd for manufacturing and marketing a substandard fortified edible oil under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006," the FSSAI said.

The regulator did not disclose the amount of the penalty.

AWL Agri Business Ltd, headquartered in Ahmedabad, markets a range of edible oils under its popular Fortune brand.

The action comes amid intensified enforcement by FSSAI against food business operators and e-commerce platforms over violations of food safety regulations. In recent months, manufacturers of energy drinks and alcoholic beverages have also come under the regulator's scrutiny.