Food Safety Department inspections found unsafe cooking oil containing harmful trans fats at more than 40 food establishments in Bengaluru, leading to notices and fines
The Karnataka Food Safety Department has issued notices to more than 40 hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, clubs and roadside food stalls in Bengaluru after inspections found unsafe levels of trans fats in reused cooking oil. Authorities have imposed fines totalling ₹28.91 lakh and announced stricter enforcement of cooking oil quality and recycling guidelines.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety Department has initiated action against more than 40 food establishments in Bengaluru after inspections found reused cooking oil containing unsafe levels of trans fats.
The department conducted inspections at hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, clubs and roadside food stalls across the city. Officials said laboratory analysis of cooking oil samples revealed that several establishments were using oil that did not meet prescribed food safety standards.
Food Safety Inspections in Bengaluru
According to the department, samples of used cooking oil were collected from food outlets across Bengaluru and sent for testing.
The analysis found that several samples contained trans fats at levels considered unsafe for consumption. Following the findings, the department issued notices to more than 40 food business operators.
Authorities also imposed a cumulative penalty of ₹28.91 lakh on establishments found violating food safety norms.
"Notices have been issued to more than 40 establishments after cooking oil samples failed to meet prescribed food safety standards," officials said.
Health Risks Linked to Reused Cooking Oil
Food safety experts have cautioned that repeated use of frying oil can increase the formation of trans fats, which are associated with several health conditions.
According to experts, prolonged consumption of food prepared using oil with high trans-fat content may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver disease and certain types of cancer.
The department said the enforcement drive aims to discourage the repeated use of cooking oil and improve food safety standards across commercial food establishments.
New Guidelines on Cooking Oil Quality
The Food Safety Department said it is introducing stricter guidelines on the reuse, disposal and quality monitoring of cooking oil.
The new measures will apply to hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, clubs and other food service establishments.
Officials warned that businesses failing to comply with food safety regulations could face stricter enforcement measures and higher penalties in future inspections.
The department said stricter monitoring and enforcement will continue to ensure compliance with cooking oil quality standards.
Public Advised to Be Cautious While Eating Fried Food
The department has advised the public to exercise caution while consuming fried food from roadside vendors and other food outlets.
Consumers have been urged to pay attention to hygiene standards and the quality of cooking oil used in food preparation. Officials said regular inspections will continue as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety compliance in Bengaluru.
