In 1998, adulterated mustard oil poisoning in Delhi resulted in widespread dropsy and deaths of 60 people and illness of more than 3000.
[4] Sale of mustard in loose quantity was banned by a court order, to prevent more health hazards.
[5] In September 1998, the ban on packed mustard oil was removed after a Cabinet decision with a condition that the date of packing should be prominently displayed.
[6] Even though mustard oil is banned as an edible oil in countries like USA, Canada and EU due to its erucic acid content,[7] the oil is widely used as an edible oil in North India, Pakistan and Nepal.
After a prolonged legal battle, the trader was found guilty and in 2008, was sentenced to just two years imprisonment and a mere ₹5,000 fine.