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This is how Kerala is making biofuel with used cooking oil

Last updated on - Jul 5, 2019, 15:00 IST

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How to make biofuel with used cooking oil?

In the month of March 2019, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) passed the circular where all food business operators whose consumption of edible oil for frying is more than 50 litres per day were asked to maintain the records and dispose of used cooking oil to agencies authorized by FSSAI from time to time. Following the circular, Kerala Commissionerate of Food safety (KCFS) recently launched an initiative called RUCO that targets at making biodiesel with the used cooking oil.

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Why RUCO is initiated?

According to the Commissionerate, it has been found that food businesses have been using the used cooking oil in several malpractices that could pose a serious health threat to consumers. In order to control the same, and protect the people from health issues, this initiative has been started.

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How does it work?

As per the media reports, there are accredited agencies that collect the used cooking oil, that is further processed for biodiesel production. According to a report, food safety authorities have identified around 24 FBOs in Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha who uses above 50 litres of cooking oil per day and the plan is to tie-up with all FBOs and agencies under Biodiesel Engine Association for collection and disposal of used frying oil.

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FSSAI’s take

According to FSSAI standards, the reuse of cooking oil is limited to a maximum of 25 per cent Total Polar Compound (TPC), considered as an accurate indicator of the quality of frying oil. Also, to keep this check in place, FSSAI recently provided digital cooking oil tester to the Commissionerate to check their quality at eateries and bakeries.

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Used cooking oil is bad for the environment

It has also been proven that dumping the used oil into water bodies and open spaces is bad for the environment and degrades the ecological balance and hence scientific disposal is the only option to control the loss.

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Verdict

This move by the Kerala Commissionerate of Food safety is a noble initiative towards a healthy society and FSSAI’s participation reflects the need of the hour as well. We hope that all other states will take this lead ahead and bring in the change to build a healthy environment.

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