7,000 snack items destroyed, 568 litres of cooking oil dumped, 32 licences suspended: Amid festive rush, FSSAI flags unsafe food practices that could put your health at risk

Festive preparations often bring a surge in demand for snacks and other fried food items, but the safety of cooking oil used in their preparation remains a concern. In a major enforcement drive, the Kerala Food Safety Department deployed 56 special squads across the state to check the unsafe reuse of cooking oil and identify food safety violations.

The drive resulted in 160 inspections, the disposal of 568 litres of used cooking oil and 7,000 snack items, and the suspension of 32 food business licences. Authorities also issued 23 notices for non-compliance with food safety requirements.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) shared a video on X highlighting the enforcement action taken by the state authorities under the campaign against unsafe cooking oil reuse.


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Kerala food safety drive: 56 special squads conduct 160 inspections

As part of the inspection campaign, 56 special squads were deployed to examine food establishments across Kerala. The teams conducted 160 inspections, focusing on the reuse of cooking oil and compliance with food safety standards.

The enforcement exercise was aimed at identifying unsafe food preparation practices and preventing the sale of food items prepared using repeatedly reused or unsuitable cooking oil.

568 litres of used cooking oil and 7,000 snacks disposed of

The inspections led to the disposal of 568 litres of used cooking oil found during the enforcement drive. Authorities also discarded 7,000 snack items as part of the action against unsafe food practices.

Repeatedly heating and reusing cooking oil can cause chemical changes and lead to the formation of potentially harmful compounds. Food businesses are therefore required to follow prescribed food safety practices while handling and reusing cooking oil.

32 food business licences suspended, 23 notices issued

The enforcement drive also resulted in action against establishments found violating food safety requirements. According to the figures shared by FSSAI, authorities suspended 32 licences and issued 23 notices over non-compliance. The action is part of efforts to improve food safety monitoring and ensure that food businesses follow the prescribed standards.

FSSAI highlights Kerala's action against unsafe cooking oil reuse

Sharing details of the campaign on X, FSSAI highlighted the work carried out by the Kerala Food Safety Department through its special inspection squads.

The initiative focused on preventing unsafe cooking oil reuse and strengthening enforcement across the state. The department's action also comes at a time when festive demand increases the consumption of fried snacks and other food products.

Through inspections, disposal of unsafe food items and action against non-compliant establishments, authorities are seeking to strengthen food safety practices and protect consumers.