The Consumer Council of Fiji has raised concerns about the sale of used cooking oil by certain restaurants, highlighting serious health risks.

They discovered that nine out of 43 surveyed restaurants in Suva City were selling or giving away used cooking oil.

“This is a direct attack on the health of Fijians,” stated Seema Shandil, CEO of Consumer Council of Fiji. “With Fiji already grappling with a high number of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like heart disease and cancer, these restaurants are playing a dangerous game by peddling used oil, which is loaded with harmful trans-fatty acids (TFAs) when reheated.”

The Council cited scientific evidence that supports that “prolonged and repeated use of cooking oils” should be avoided to minimise the formation of harmful TFAs.

There are also concerns about potential cross-contamination and allergens in the used oil. The council urges consumers not to purchase or reuse used cooking oil.

They are working with the Ministry of Health to implement regulations and enforcement measures to address this issue promptly.