The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sent a formal notice to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) after a serious complaint about the widespread reuse of cooking oil in the country.
The complaint, filed by the founder of Sarthak Samudayik Vikas Evam Jan Kalyan Sanstha, says that small hotels, roadside stalls and food vendors keep re‑using and selling used cooking oil, even though FSSAI’s “RUCO – Repurpose Used Cooking Oil” programme is meant to curb that practice.
If the allegation is true, the NHRC says it becomes a human‑rights issue. Reused oil can carry bacteria and toxic chemicals. Eating it may raise the risk of cancer, heart disease, and liver problems. Meanwhile, discarding the oil in drains or on the ground pollutes water and soil, harming the environment.
The complainant wants the NHRC to step in. They ask FSSAI to enforce food‑safety rules more strictly, work closely with Pollution Control Boards and local authorities, and set up licensed oil‑purification centres. They also want nationwide awareness campaigns to warn people about the health dangers of reused cooking oil.
Under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC has asked FSSAI to investigate the matter and report back with state‑wise details. The body wants an Action‑Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks so it can review the findings.
The NHRC, created under the 1993 Act, is an independent agency that protects and promotes human rights in India. It focuses on rights connected to life, liberty, equality, and dignity as guaranteed by the Constitution and international agreements.
The notice shows the NHRC’s commitment to safeguarding public health and the environment from practices that threaten citizens’ well‑being.
Source: ianslive
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