FSDA drive against trans-fats in U.P.: Random sample collection of edible oil now on

This is for the first time that such an exercise is being undertaken and is a pan-India exercise with UP also a part of it.

The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) department has started a surveillance campaign across the state, aiming to check the level of trans-fat (trans-unsaturated fatty acids) being sold in edible oil in the state. Trans-fat – a type of unsaturated fat – is known to damage human health.

For representation only (HT File Photo)

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had capped trans fatty acids (TFA) in oils at 2%.

“Sampling has begun and by August 14, the collection of samples will be complete,” said Anita Singh, commissioner food safety, UP. Random samples are being collected from shops selling branded oil.

This is for the first time that such an exercise is being undertaken and is a pan-India exercise with UP also a part of it. According to the plan, samples of oils will be collected by field staff and they will be tested in labs designated by the central government.

“Burning of fat makes trans-fat. Trans-fat raises bad cholesterol (LDL and VLDL) levels and lowers good (HDL) cholesterol levels in the human body which causes blockage in blood vessels,” said Dr NS Verma, HoD, physiology, King George’s Medical University.

Apart from heart disease and stroke, trans-fat increases the risk of developing type 2-diabetes, which is also connected with damaged blood vessels, said Dr Abhishek Shukla, secretary-general, Association of International Doctors.

Each day, two samples will be collected by the food safety officer (FSO), said Hari Shankar, assistant commissioner FSDA. “Till now 116 samples have been collected from shops selling branded oil,” he said.

If there is anomaly in the surveillance samples tested then a legal sample will be taken from the same location and tested again and process shall be done for prosecution, said Singh.