From Waste to Fuel: FSSAI’s RUCO Drive Gains Momentum in Tamil Nadu

In A to Z, Food Hygiene, Food Safety, News
October 13, 2025
Editorial Team
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Key Update

As the festive season approaches, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is actively driving the Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative, collecting used cooking oil from food businesses and converting it into biofuel, with participation increasing across Tamil Nadu, especially ahead of Deepavali.

Tamil Nadu Start-Up Leads the Way

In Tiruvanaikovil, kB Energy Corporation, an FSSAI-licensed start-up, plays a leading role in the RUCO initiative. The company collects used oil from over 2,000 establishments, including restaurants, catering units, sweet manufacturers, and canteens. Vendors of deep-fried snacks use around 50 litres of oil daily, while large institutions such as schools and hospitals across Tiruchi, Dindigul, Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai accumulate nearly 30 tonnes of used oil ahead of Deepavali.

Under FSSAI norms, food businesses must divert 20–25% of their used oil for biofuel production. kB Energy typically collects 15–20 tonnes per month, and the volume nearly doubles during the festive season, reflecting higher demand and active participation.

Biofuel Production Creates Jobs and Raises Awareness

Tamil Nadu currently operates three biofuel manufacturing plants, with around 64 such units across India. What started as a slow initiative has now evolved into a competitive and expanding sector, creating job opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

The collected oil is filtered and stored in large barrels at the Tiruvanaikovil facility. As an authorised aggregator licensed by both FSSAI and the Biodiesel Association of India, kB Energy supplies used oil only to certified biofuel manufacturers. This prevents unlicensed traders from reselling oil to smaller eateries, where it might be reused multiple times, posing health risks.

Increasingly, food operators are aware of the dangers of reusing cooking oil and now prefer to sell their used stock to licensed collectors, ensuring safer practices and contributing to clean fuel production.

Consumers Urged to Buy from Licensed Vendors

Ahead of the festive season, the district administration has advised consumers to purchase Deepavali sweets, snacks, and baked goods only from vendors who comply with FSSAI standards and hold a valid Hygiene Rating Certificate.

Officials warned that businesses operating without proper certification would face legal action. Consumers can report food safety violations or complaints through: