Health
Vendors Reusing Cooking Oil is now Punishable by Law
BANGKOK– Out of concerns for consumers’ health, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now banned food vendors and restaurants from using used cooking oils.
FDA Secretary General Boonchai Somboonsuk said the principle objective of the law, which has been effective since March 13, is to prevent the accumulation of polar compounds in the human body, especially if one has consumed food cooked with waste cooking oil over a period of time.
According to him, polar compounds are the causes of hypertension, stroke, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Any catering establishments found using cooking oils containing more than 25% of used oils will be subject to a fine of no more than 10,000 baht.
Dr. Boonchai added later that the FDA has coordinated with local officials to inspect cooking oils used in restaurants as well as to promote the use of proper cooking oil at the same time.