Restaurants using cooking oil multiple times in Damak

By Bishnu Prasad Pokhrel,Damak, Aug. 24: An inspection team of Damak Municipality found that several food industries based in Damak were found reusing cooking oil multiple times, which is harmful to human health.

"Industries producing crispy snacks such as chips, bhujias and biscuits were found reusing the same cooking oil for several batches of the snack," said Laxmi Neupane, food officer at the Damak Municipality Office.

According to health authorities, reheating cooking oil can release harmful toxins, increase the percentage of trans-fats in it, become rancid, gives rise to free radicals, and gives rise to some very harmful reactions taking a toll on people's health.

The inspection team tested cooking oil used by food producers and eateries with the help of a frying oil monitor. Technically, a frying oil monitor helps measure the amount of aldehyde and ketone produced in frying oils to determine degradation.

The equipment gives the measurement in TPM (Total Polar Matter) which refers to all products present in frying oil due to oxidation processes, including free fatty acids, products of low molecular weight decomposition, and polymerised substances.

"The equipment turns green when the TPM in used cooking oil is over 25. 

It means that the oil is not healthy to be used," said Neupane, adding, "We were able to identify the standards of the cooking oil on the spot with its help."

Damak Municipality informed that 193 eateries and industries were inspected in the last fiscal year 2022/23. Of them, 22 were industries, 26 school canteens, 19 butcheries and 126 shops.

"Alongside the cooking oil's standard, renewal of registration, cleanliness and implementation of other set standards are checked during an inspection. 

The businesses are also made aware of the dos and don'ts," said Neupane.