A viral social media post has ignited a nationwide debate on food safety, raising alarming concerns over the quality of cooking oil allegedly being used in the preparation of popular snacks across India. The post, shared widely on X (formerly Twitter), claims that chips and other fried snacks are being prepared using blackened, recycled engine-like oil, warning that such practices could contribute to the spread of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
The sharp criticism is directed at India’s food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), accusing it of failing to act while public health remains at risk. The post has resonated with thousands of users, triggering anger, fear, and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of food safety laws.
While the claim itself has not yet been independently verified, experts agree that repeatedly reheated or adulterated oils pose serious health risks. Medical studies have long linked the excessive reuse of cooking oil to the formation of harmful compounds such as trans fats, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and free radicals—substances known to increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, and liver damage.
India’s bustling street food culture, though celebrated worldwide, has often drawn scrutiny for inconsistent hygiene and safety standards. From roadside stalls to small-scale snack manufacturing units, the reuse of oil is a widespread but poorly monitored practice, largely driven by cost-cutting.
Food safety activists argue that this viral outburst reflects a deeper public frustration. Despite existing regulations that strictly prohibit the reuse of degraded oil beyond permissible limits, enforcement remains weak on the ground. Although FSSAI has introduced initiatives like the “Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO)” program, critics say implementation is patchy and inspections are infrequent.
Public health professionals warn that the consequences of ignoring such allegations could be devastating. India is already witnessing a steady rise in cancer cases,
lifestyle disorders, and metabolic diseases. Unsafe food practices only add fuel to an already burning crisis.
Social media users are now demanding immediate action—ranging from surprise inspections and laboratory testing of snack products to public disclosure of offenders and tougher penalties for violations. Many have also urged citizens to be cautious, avoid suspiciously cheap fried snacks, and support vendors who follow hygienic practices.
As the debate intensifies, the spotlight is firmly on FSSAI. Whether the authority responds with transparency and decisive action could determine not just public trust, but the health of millions who rely daily on affordable street food.
