The RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) initiative, launched by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is gaining momentum in Kerala. The state has seen a significant rise in the volume of used cooking oil collected through this program. In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, Kerala collected 419,561 liters of used oil, a figure that more than doubled to 960,605 liters in 2023-2024. In the first five months of 2024 alone, 311,030 liters have already been collected, with officials anticipating further increases in the coming months, reported The New Indian Express.

As per media report, the initiative aims to keep used cooking oil from re-entering the food supply, directing it instead toward biodiesel and soap production. This not only addresses public health concerns but also promotes the generation of renewable energy and sustainable products.

“The increase in collection figures is a positive development that tackles essential health issues within the food industry,” stated Ansha John, a food safety officer at the Commissionerate of Food Safety in Thiruvananthapuram.

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Often, convenience and cost-saving practices overshadow health risks, leading both individuals and large manufacturers to reuse cooking oil multiple times, which poses health hazards.

Research has shown the serious health risks associated with consuming food prepared in reused oil. A study published in the Journal of Neurochemistry found that animals fed oxidized cooking oil showed memory impairments and heightened brain inflammation compared to those given fresh oil. Similarly, another study in the *Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry* highlighted that trans fats from reused oil could compromise the blood-brain barrier, allowing harmful substances to enter the brain.

Additionally, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recently released 17 new dietary guidelines aimed at promoting healthier eating habits, specifically warning against the repeated use of heated oils due to the increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

To mitigate the public health risks linked to reused cooking oil, RUCO utilizes a network of aggregators to collect used oil from food businesses and manufacturers. This collected oil is then repurposed into biodiesel and other environmentally friendly products, preventing it from re-entering the food chain. Currently, RUCO operates through 57 enrolled non-food product (NFP) units and 73 aggregators across 16 states and Union Territories, including Kerala.

The program’s benefits extend beyond health, contributing to energy security, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. The government is also actively promoting the initiative. With increasing participation from food business operators, the collection figures are expected to continue to rise.

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