Kangra collects 2,000 litres of used cooking oil in 3 months

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Jaipur-based firm gathers discarded oil from four towns as Food Safety Department steps up monitoring

Dharamshala: Around 2,000 litres of used cooking oil have been collected from Kangra district over the past three months by a Jaipur-based company, as the Food Safety Department steps up efforts to ensure its safe handling and disposal.

Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety Dr Savita Thakur said the department was creating awareness among food business operators, particularly those involved in frying, about the need to store used cooking oil safely instead of discarding it in the open.

The department has tied up with the company to collect the discarded oil. Significant quantities had been collected from McLeodganj, Kangra, Palampur and Dharamshala, Dr Thakur said.

According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India provisions cited by her, cooking oil should not be reused for frying more than three times.

TPC limit fixed at 25 per cent

Dr Thakur said the prescribed limit for total polar compounds (TPC) in cooking oil was 25 per cent. Oil exceeding this limit is considered unsuitable for food use, as repeated heating can cause chemical changes and the formation of compounds that may adversely affect health.

The TPC levels serve as an indicator of cooking oil quality and safety, particularly when oil is repeatedly heated or exposed to high temperatures.

Action over hygiene violations

The department is also monitoring hygiene at food establishments, including junk food outlets. Dr Thakur said food business operators were regularly instructed to maintain cleanliness on their premises.

During inspections, violations of hygiene requirements may invite a challan and further proceedings against the operator.

Where deficiencies are found, the department issues an improvement notice allowing the business operator 14 days to rectify them. If the shortcomings persist beyond the stipulated period, the matter is referred to the Additional District Magistrate, she added.