Cooking oil plays a crucial role in both nutrition and food preparation. It is said to be the primary source of energy and essential fatty acids that the human body needs for cell function, brain health, and hormone production as well. It also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Sadly, many market players risk consumer health by reusing oil, which increases the risk of alarming health issues. In an unfortunate incident, recently, a KFC outlet in Kondapur, Hyderabad was caught using unsafe cooking oil. Scroll down to read the details.According to a post on X by the Zonal Commissioner, Serillingampally Zone-CMC, a team of officials conducted a random food safety inspection at KFC, Rajarajeshwari Colony, Kondapur along with the FSO team. The TPC (Total Polar Compounds) levels in the cooking oil were found to be above permissible limits with dark discoloration. As per the post, action is being initiated under relevant rules. This inspection is part of a broader initiative by Telangana food safety teams to monitor fast-food chains and restaurants for compliance with food safety regulations.
What is TPC
For the uninitiated, Total polar compounds (TPC) are widely recognized as a composite indicator of frying oil quality across global food systems.
What is the limit of Total Polar Compounds (TPC) in Used cooking Oil?
According to FSSAI website, edible oil shall not have more than 25% TPC. The oil having more than 25% of TPC is not safe for human consumption.
What are the health hazards of Used Cooking Oil?
The website also states that Total Polar Compounds (TPC) form during frying, and beyond certain limits, they make the oil unfit for human consumption. Reports have related these compounds to several diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, liver disease etc.
How can Total Polar Compounds be estimated in edible oil?
Total Polar Compounds can be measured in edible oils and fats using well established AOAC Official Method 982.27
Is there any device available for rapid estimation of Total Polar Compounds in edible oils?
According to FSSAI, small handheld devices for rapid on site testing are available in the market to check the Total Polar Compounds in the oil during frying. These devices should be calibrated regularly and should only be used for indicative testing.
What is RUCO?
Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO ) is an FSSAI initiative to enable the conversion of used cooking oil into Biodiesel which checks the diversion of used cooking oil into Food Chain.
How can Food Business Operators (FBOs) dispose of their used cooking oil?
FBOs can sell their Used Cooking Oil to Collection Agencies or Aggregators authorized by Biodiesel Manufacturers. FBOs can get contact details of collection agencies from FSSAI website or by contacting Biodiesel manufacturers whose details are also available on the FSSAI website.Images Courtesy: X and istock