In a serious breach of food safety, health officials in Kollam, Kerala, discovered melted plastic covers mixed with cooking oil at a roadside eatery. During a health inspection, officials found partially melted palm oil wrappers in the oil and decided to shut down the small eatery near SMP Palace Road. Scroll on to know more about this.
Melted Plastic Found In Cooking Oil In Kollam, Kerala
According to Onmanorama, in a bid to cut costs, the Kerala eatery heated used cooking oil along with plastic covers from refined palm oil pouches. Reportedly, the vendors felt that this hazardous move helped extend the oil’s frying life, thicken the texture, and improve the food’s appearance.
The officers found half-melted oil pouch covers on-site. Furthermore, the oil used for cooking showed clear signs of contamination. The plastic covers, according to the officials, were clear evidence that the practice was intentional and ongoing. Besides the eatery, these snacks were also supplied to areas near the Kollam Railway Station. The health inspection officers also reported lack of basic hygiene, employee health cards, and legal documentation for the shop.
Harmful Effects & How To Avoid Such Keep Safe
Onmanorama reported that the use of plastic in cooking oil was a dangerous shortcut that poisons food with chemicals. Melted plastic can release highly toxic compounds like dioxins, furans, phthalates, and even heavy metals–basically everything that should not be in your food! Using such cooking oil can raise risks of cancer, hormonal disruptions, liver and kidney damage, and also respiratory and digestive issues.
Here are a few tips that you can follow to avoid eating such contaminated food –
1. Opt to eat at hygienic eateries with proper licence.
2. In case your food has a burnt smell or appears extra greasy, take that as a warning sign.
3. If you feel the food appears suspicious, avoid it at all costs.
Also Read: With Zero Oil, Only Water, Man Cooks Mutton Water Fry; Netizens Approve His Recipe
Please be extra cautious of the food you’re consuming. Stay alert and avoid any food item that appears suspicious.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)
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