Rajshahi, Dec 08 (V7N)- The number of hotels and restaurants in Rajshahi is growing rapidly, from roadside stalls to high-rise establishments. However, a disturbing trend has been revealed: 87% of these establishments are using harmful cooking oil, posing serious health risks to consumers.

Findings of the Food Safety Authority

In November, the Food Safety Authority tested oils from 16 restaurants in Godagari and Puthia upazilas and 22 in Rajshahi city using an Olio test kit. The results showed that:

  • 57.89% of the oil tested was highly harmful.
  • 28.95% was deemed harmful or unusable.
  • Only 13% of restaurants used safe cooking oil.

Health Hazards Linked to Harmful Oil

Medical experts warn that consuming food cooked in harmful or burnt oil can lead to:

  • Acidity and stomach ulcers.
  • Serious health conditions like stomach cancer, liver problems, and kidney damage.
  • Bladder and digestive issues.

Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Khan Badsha, Head of Medicine at Rajshahi Medical College, explained:

“Burnt oil is extremely harmful to health. Prolonged consumption can lead to chronic conditions, including kidney failure and cancer.”

Efforts by the Food Safety Authority

The Food Safety Authority launched a Mobile Food Safety Laboratory on October 16, enabling free food testing for consumers. However, public participation has been minimal, with no customers bringing samples for testing in the past month.

District Safe Food Officer Yamin Hossain stated that:

“Of the 38 available tests, 25 are currently active, including those for oil, milk, and baking soda. Harmful substances were most commonly found in oil samples.”

He emphasized the need for public awareness, stating that fines or penalties are not yet being imposed, as the primary goal is to educate both consumers and traders.

Call for Action

Dr. Badsha and other health experts stress the importance of:

  1. Consumer Awareness: Individuals must avoid consuming food from establishments known for using harmful oil.
  2. Enforcement of Penalties: Authorities should impose strict penalties on offenders to deter harmful practices.
  3. Trader Education: Many restaurant owners and workers may not fully understand the dangers of reusing oil or using low-quality alternatives. Awareness campaigns can help address this.

The situation in Rajshahi highlights a critical need for public vigilance, administrative action, and trader accountability to safeguard public health. As harmful oil use continues, the risk of widespread health crises looms large unless swift and decisive action is taken.