NEW DELHI, 13 August 2025: Dr. Rajeev Churi, National President of the Oil Technologists’ Association of India (OTAI), has criticised “No Palm Oil” marketing campaigns by some food brands, calling them fear-driven and misleading to consumers.
“These campaigns, which position palm oil as inherently unhealthy, are not supported by scientific evidence,” Dr. Churi said, urging the food industry, regulators, and the media to promote informed, data-backed public discussion on edible oil choices.
India’s 2024 Dietary Guidelines, issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Nutrition, reaffirm palm oil’s role in a balanced diet and recommend rotating oils — such as palm, groundnut, sesame, rice bran, and sunflower — to ensure optimal fatty acid intake. The guidelines also highlight the benefits of tocotrienols in reducing blood cholesterol.
Dr. Churi warned that vilifying palm oil undermines India’s self-reliance goals in edible oils. The government’s National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), launched in 2021 with a ₹11,040 crore budget, aims to boost domestic palm oil production and cut import dependence.
Palm oil contains a near-equal balance of saturated and unsaturated fats, zero trans fats, and no cholesterol. It is also rich in tocotrienols, carotenoids, and natural antioxidants linked to heart, brain, and cellular health.
“Attacking one fat source without substantiated evidence distracts from the core principles of good nutrition: balance, variety, and science,” he said. Globally, palm oil is the most consumed edible oil, accounting for over 40% of India’s edible oil use.
