FDA warns outlets against repeated use of edible oil

Nagpur: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has collected 85 samples of edible oil from different eateries, food manufacturers and vendors this year during an ongoing drive against its overuse that can lead to several illnesses like cancer, heart attacks and digestive disorders.
FDA has warned of penal actions against eateries and food vendors reusing edible oil more than twice. It has also issued an advisory to eateries and food vendors to use steel utensils, especially for frying, instead of the iron ones which react with edible oil. The agency has also urged the vendors to ensure the food material is not over fried.
The agency has started spot-testing with polarimeter devices for total polar compounds. Asst commissioner, FDA, Prashant Deshmukh said studies have shown overused oils have high polar compounds which in turn increase the trans fat which is one of the reasons for heart blockage and related ailments. “If the reading is more than 25 then we have to declare the oil unsafe for consumption,” said Deshmukh adding that the food business operators would face action under Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006, and rules 2011.
TOI had earlier reported about FDA’s instructions to food vendors and such business operators, whose edible oil usage is more than 50 litres per day, to hand over the reused cooking medium to designated bio-diesel companies for recycling. Such eateries, food vendors and such business operators also have been asked to maintain a record of their use, stocks and quantity given for recycling purpose.
“We intend to conduct surprise spot tests of the edible oils at different places ranging from stalls to big eateries to check quality and ensure health of consumers is not compromised,” said Deshmukh.
In May, FDA conducted surprise checks for licences and mandatory food registrations of such business operators at 177 places under Food safety officer Piyush Manwatkar. Around 10 establishments have been pulled up for functioning without licences while 74 were without registrations.
“Food business operators should approach FDA with Aadhaar card and licence copy to update mailing addresses and mobile phones in their licence and registrations immediately as details of the inspections would be updated online,” said Deshmukh adding FDA is switching to online inspection.