Statewide inspections by 56 special squads led to the disposal of 568 litres of used cooking oil, destruction of 7,000 snack items and 23 violation notices
Kerala has suspended the licences of 32 food businesses following a statewide crackdown on the reuse of cooking oil, with enforcement teams disposing of 568 litres of used oil and destroying around 7,000 snack items during inspections.
The action was part of a food safety enforcement exercise involving 56 special squads, which collectively inspected 160 food establishments and issued 23 notices for violations. The figures wased by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The campaign sought to identify food businesses using cooking oil beyond permissible safety limits, particularly in frying operations. The FSSAI also shared footage of the inspections on X, showing officials carrying out checks at food establishments across Kerala.
The latest enforcement action comes at a time when festive-season consumption is driving demand for fried snacks and other ready-to-eat food items. For food businesses, the repeated use of frying oil remains a food safety concern because prolonged heating changes its chemical composition.
Why Repeated Frying Has Become A Food Safety Concern
The key regulatory measure for determining the suitability of repeatedly used cooking oil is Total Polar Compounds (TPC). Their concentration increases with repeated heating and frying, making TPC levels an important indicator of oil degradation.
FSSAI has prescribed a maximum permissible TPC concentration of 25 per cent. Cooking oil that crosses this threshold is not permitted for further frying. The regulator has also linked excessive TPC levels to potential health risks, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and liver disorders.
Food businesses have been required to monitor the quality of frying oil and keep it within the prescribed limits since 1 July 2018.
Despite the regulatory requirements, the latest inspections have resulted in licence suspensions, notices and the disposal of used oil. The Kerala department has not disclosed the names or locations of the establishments facing action, or specified the conditions under which their licences may be restored.
