Specifications as per Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Additives) Regulations, 2011

Coconut oil (nariyal ka tel) means the oil expressed from copra obtained from the kernel of Cocos mucifera nuts. It shall be clear and free from rancidity, suspended or other foreign matter, separated water, added colouring or flavouring substances, or mineral oil. It shall conform to the following standards: obtained by solvent extraction or otherwise, it shall be supplied for human consumption only after refining and shall conform to the standards laid down under Regulation 2.2.1 (16). The oil so refined shall not contain ‘hexane’ more than 5.00 parts per million (ppm).

CV Advice

While coconut oil certainly does not deserve its bad reputation, it also does not deserve to be called a health food. You are better off not assuming that it will keep you healthy and slim or that it can treat or prevent chronic diseases. It is fine to cook with it if you like it, especially as a replacement for butter or ghee. However, olive, rice bran, canola and other non-tropical oils are better for regular use. It is also okay to buy foods that contain coconut oil, but do not think that those make them especially healthy choices. Many are high-calorie snack foods like chocolates and candies.