Key Update 

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Union Health Ministry and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) after receiving a complaint about the widespread reuse of cooking oil across the country. The Commission has ordered both authorities to investigate the issue and submit a state-wise report along with an action taken report within two weeks.

Complaint Highlights Serious Public Health Risks

The complaint, filed by the founder of Sarthak Samudayik Vikas Evam Jan Kalyan Sanstha in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, raised alarm over the continued reuse of cooking oil despite FSSAI’s RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) initiative and policies promoting its conversion into biodiesel.

The complainant alleged that small hotels, roadside eateries, and food vendors often reuse or resell used cooking oil, which exposes consumers to serious health hazards such as cancer, heart disease, and liver disorders. Improper disposal of the oil, he added, also pollutes soil and water, worsening environmental damage.

Commission Terms the Allegations a Human Rights Violation

In its proceedings dated October 22, the NHRC noted that the allegations prima facie amount to human rights violations due to the grave risks they pose to public health. The petitioner urged the Commission to treat the issue as a human rights and public health concern and directed enforcement agencies—including the FSSAI, pollution control boards, and municipal authorities—to strictly enforce existing regulations, establish authorised oil purification and reuse centres, and launch awareness campaigns about the dangers of reused cooking oil.

NHRC Seeks Prompt Action and State-Wise Report

Taking cognisance of the matter under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, an NHRC bench led by member Priyank Kanoongo directed the FSSAI Chairman and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to investigate the complaint. The Commission instructed them to inquire into the allegations and furnish a detailed, state-wise report within two weeks for further review and necessary action.

Source: Business Standard