PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
As Deepawali celebrations begin, the aroma of deep fried sweets and savouries fills homes and shops alike. However, the repeated use of cooking oil causes a silent health and environmental concern, as per Uttarakhand Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA). Many people continue to reuse oil several times, believing that it has never caused any harm or that discarding it will be wasteful, especially when edible oil prices are high.
However, experts from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and FDA warn that every time oil is reheated, its chemical composition changes. Repeated heating leads to the formation of harmful compounds such as trans fats, aldehydes and polar materials, which can damage the heart, liver, and digestive system over time. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to these effects, as their bodies absorb toxins more quickly, as per the FDA deputy commissioner GC Kandwal. He stated that according to FSSAI and FDA guidelines, cooking oil should ideally be used only once for deep frying. If reused, it must be filtered, consumed within two days and never used once it starts smoking or darkening.
During frying, food particles should be removed frequently, as they accelerate oil degradation. Kandwal said that improper disposal of used oil also adds to environmental pollution. When poured down drains or mixed with fresh oil, it contaminates water sources and contributes to food adulteration. To address this, the FSSAI’s Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative promotes safe collection and conversion of discarded oil into biodiesel. He said that during festive times when frying is unavoidable, following small but consistent steps can prevent long-term health risks. Choosing to use fresh oil, cooking at moderate temperatures and ensuring proper disposal are simple actions that protect both families and the environment. Kandwal stated that what may seem like harmless reuse today can slowly affect health tomorrow and people should remember that festive joy should not come at the cost of wellbeing.
