Minister urges use of local cooking oil

Singida. Health minister Ummy Mwalimu has advised Tanzanians to utilise locally produced sunflower oil, saying it’s safer than imported oil. During a recent visit to Mount Meru Oil Millers Ltd in Singida Region, the minister said by using oil produced in the country, people will not only protect their health but they will also act as a catalyst for the emergence of small and medium sized oil processing industries that would in turn create jobs.

She said if the number of sunflower oil processing industries increased, farmers would increase production because they would be sure of a ready market for their crops and would therefore earn more income.

She appealed to the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority to put tough conditions in place for imported oil in order to protect locally produced oil.

The firm’s personnel and administrative manager, Mr Nelson Mwakabuta said oil produced outside the country was killing local industries because of the favourable taxes they enjoy that enable them to sell at low prices.

“I request the government to protect local industries since apart from job creation, they inspire farmers to increase production with the hope of a reliable market.”