THE Myanmar Edible Oil Millers Association (MEOMA) will help millers in the entire supply chain get approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization (MYANTRADE).
This move is aimed at eradicating illegal sales in the market and ensure a firm market for producers, said an official with MEOMA.
In 2019-2020, the association will make efforts to increase the number of FDA-recognized oil mills to about 150. At present, about 50 mills hold the FDA certificate.
The move will also help millers earn the trust of consumers and place them in a better position to compete with other oil brands being sold in the domestic market, said Mandalay oil millers.
Several types of imported edible oil such as soybean oil, sunflower oil, and vegetable oil enjoy a market share in the domestic market. These cooking oils have certificates and an approval logo and their fair price attracts more consumers than locally-produced edible oil of high quality, said millers.
“Imported edible oils have certificates only from their country of origin and lack FDA testing. However, local millers cannot compete with them, as marketing and good advertising ensure they sell well,” said an oil miller.
“As a result, local groundnut oil millers are suffering, and have been prompted to reduce the purchase price of raw groundnut. However, groundnut growers may feel the pinch from reduced prices,” he added.
In 1989, there were over 3,000 oil mills across the country. Now, only 10 per cent remain, and even those that have survived are struggling. — GNLM (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)
