Commission orders probe into alleged misuse of used cooking oil, citing potential human rights and public health concerns
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Union Health Ministry and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (Fssai) following a complaint alleging the “widespread reuse of cooking oil” across the country.
According to the case proceedings, the NHRC has ordered an inquiry into the allegations and sought a state-wise report. It has directed the authorities to submit an action-taken report within two weeks. The proceedings dated 22 October state that the claims in the complaint, on initial review, appear to be “violations” of the human rights of the victims.
The complaint was filed by the founder of Sarthak Samudayik Vikas Evam Jan Kalyan Sanstha, based in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, who raised “serious concerns about the widespread reuse of cooking oil in India”.
The proceedings noted that the complainant had pointed out that, despite Fssai’ ‘RUCO — Repurpose Used Cooking Oil’ initiative and policies promoting bio-diesel, many small restaurants, roadside eateries and street vendors were allegedly continuing to reuse or resell used cooking oil, posing serious public health risks such as cancer, heart disease and liver disorders. The complaint also highlighted that improper disposal of used oil was contaminating soil and water, causing environmental harm.
The petition called for immediate intervention by the Commission, urging that the matter be treated as a “human rights issue” impacting public health. It requested directives for enforcement bodies — including the FSSAI, pollution control boards and municipal authorities — to “strictly implement” existing regulations, set up authorised oil purification and reuse facilities, and run public awareness programmes on the dangers associated with reused cooking oil.
A bench of the NHRC headed by member Priyank Kanoongo has taken cognisance of the matter under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
The order stated that the Registry had been instructed to issue a notice to the chairperson of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (Fssai) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, asking them to investigate the allegations raised in the complaint and submit a state-wise report on the matter.
The Commission has also sought an action-taken report within two weeks for its review.
