Most oil samples contain excess trans fat, warns BFSA
The samples of cooking oil were collected from various places in the country. Of them, 7 out of 11 samples of soyabean oil, 93 out of 95 samples of dalda, 26 out of 30 samples of butter and 6 out of 14 samples of margarine had trans fatty acids which were higher than the legitimate quantity
Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) informed a seminar today (20 April) that the level of trans fatty acids found in most of the oil samples collected in the 2024-25 fiscal year was higher than the permitted level. The organization urged that building awareness among people right now is essential to reduce health hazards. BFSA member Dr Mohammad Shoaib shared this at the seminar titled "Harmful effects of used cooking oil on human health and the environment" jointly organised by BFSA and Muenzer Bangla Private Limited.
He said that the samples of cooking oil were collected from various places in the country. Of them, 7 out of 11 samples of soyabean oil, 93 out of 95 samples of dalda, 26 out of 30 samples of butter and 6 out of 14 samples of margarine had trans fatty acids which were higher than the legitimate quantity. He advised everyone to avoid the harmful effects of trans fat.
In the keynote paper, BFSA member Prof. Mohammad Shoaib said that about 278,000 people die every year globally due to industrial trans fats. Trans fats build up in the arteries and upsurge the risk of heart disease. In Bangladesh, about 59 out of every 100,000 people die of heart disease, of which about 4% of the deaths is linked to trans fats.
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He also stated that the maximum permissible level of trans fat in food was set at 2% as per the "Trans Fatty Acid Control Regulations in Food Products" which was enacted in 2021 but came into effect from December 31, 2022.
BFSA Chairman Md. Anwarul Islam Sarker asked all to stop using the burnt oil in order to lead a healthy life. He also stressed the proper management of used oil to protect the environment from its deadly effects.
Speaking as the special guest, BFSA member Dr Mohammad Mostafa said that where trans fats are likely to be present, regular sample collection and testing are being carried out.
Deputy Director Ruhul Amin said 720 monitoring activities were operated during the last Ramadan. At that time, the traders were informed about the harmful effects of burnt oil and its alternative use in producing environment-friendly fuel.
The seminar was told that repeated use of the same oil produces trans fats and free radicals, which increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and liver complications. Therefore, the speakers suggested that the used oil should not be reused in food; rather, it should be used in producing biodiesel.
Assistant Scientist of National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, Dr Ahmed Khairul Abrar said that burnt oil raises the risk of cancer, and no oil should be used more than two to three times.
The seminar was attended by representatives of various government and non-governmental organisations, food traders, researchers and media persons.
