Food Manifest 
Key Update
Food safety officers from the Rajasthan health department detected excessive levels of total polar compounds (TPC) in cooking oil during a surprise inspection at a McDonald’s outlet in Gaurav Tower in Jaipur on Monday. Officials stated that the maximum permissible TPC limit for cooking oil is 25%. However, the oil used for non-vegetarian items showed a TPC level of 28%, while the oil used for vegetarian items recorded a level of 31%.
Health Risks Highlighted by Officials
Dr Manish Mittal, Chief Medical Health Officer (Jaipur-II), explained that TPC serves as a key indicator of cooking oil quality and safety. He stated that when TPC levels exceed 25%, the oil becomes unsafe for consumption, as harmful compounds can form and trans fat levels can increase significantly, raising the risk of heart disease.
Oil Found Black and Unfit for Use
The inspection team found the oil had turned extremely black and unfit for consumption, yet staff continued frying food in it after reheating it to around 150°C. Officials noted that the outlet reportedly used the same oil continuously from morning until night.
Oil Destroyed, Notice to Be Issued
Officers collected samples for laboratory testing and destroyed nearly 40 litres of used oil on the spot. They instructed the restaurant’s manager, Sambhav Bhardwaj, to immediately replace the oil with fresh stock. Authorities will issue an improvement notice under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and will determine further action after receiving the laboratory report.
Rotten Tomatoes Also Seized
During the inspection, officials also discovered rotten tomatoes stored in plastic crates inside the cold room. They seized and destroyed approximately 40 kg of tomatoes at the site.
Source: The Times of India
