NHRC Takes Action Against Widespread Cooking Oil Reuse: Health and Environmental Concerns Prompt Investigation

Discarded cooking oil poses significant environmental hazards, contaminating both water sources and soil.

New Delhi:

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a formal notice to the Union Health Ministry and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) following complaints about the alleged widespread practice of reusing cooking oil throughout India.

The NHRC has mandated an investigation into these allegations and requested a comprehensive state-by-state report. Authorities have been directed to submit an action taken report within a two-week timeframe.

According to the official proceedings dated October 22, the allegations outlined in the complaint appear prima facie to constitute violations of human rights affecting numerous victims.

The complaint was filed by the founder of Sarthak Samudayik Vikas Evam Jan Kalyan Sanstha, a Bhopal-based organization in Madhya Pradesh. It highlights critical concerns regarding the extensive reuse of cooking oil across India.

The complainant noted that despite FSSAI's 'RUCO -- Repurpose Used Cooking Oil' initiative and policies promoting biodiesel, many food establishments—including small hotels, roadside eateries, and food vendors—continue to repeatedly reuse or resell used cooking oil. This practice reportedly creates significant public health risks, potentially contributing to cancer, heart diseases, and liver disorders.

Furthermore, the improper disposal of used cooking oil leads to environmental degradation by contaminating water bodies and soil.

The complainant has urged the Commission's immediate intervention, requesting that the matter be treated as a human rights issue with direct implications for public health. The petition calls for directing enforcement agencies (including FSSAI, pollution control boards, and municipal authorities) to rigorously implement existing regulations, establish authorized facilities for oil purification and reuse, and launch public awareness campaigns about the dangers associated with reused cooking oil.

An NHRC bench led by member Priyank Kanoongo has officially recognized the complaint under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

"The Registry is directed to issue a notice to the chairman, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, government of India, New Delhi, with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into, and to provide a state-wise report, in the matter," states the official notice.

The Commission has further instructed authorities to submit an action taken report within two weeks for its review.