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New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) over allegations of large-scale re-use of cooking oil by small hotels, roadside eateries and food vendors across the country, posing a serious threat to public health and the environment.
A bench headed by NHRC member Priyank Kanungo took cognizance of a complaint filed by the founder of Sarthak Community Development and Public Welfare Society, raising concerns that despite FSSAI’s “RUCO – Repurpose Used Cooking Oil” initiative, re-use and resale of used cooking oil continues unchecked at the grassroots level.
According to the complaint, this practice exposes citizens to serious health risks including cancer, heart disease and liver disorders. It further alleged that improper disposal of the spilled oil pollutes water and soil, thereby contributing to environmental pollution.
The complainant requested the intervention of the apex human rights body for strict enforcement of existing food safety rules and stronger coordination between FSSAI, Pollution Control Board and municipal authorities.
It also called for setting up authorized oil refining and reusing centers and launching a nationwide awareness campaign to educate citizens about the dangers of reusing cooking oil.
Noting that the allegations, if true, prima facie indicate violation of human rights related to public health, the NHRC directed FSSAI to investigate the matter and submit a detailed state-wise report.
Issuing the notice under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the apex human rights body has sought an action taken report (ATR) from FSSAI for its perusal within two weeks.
Established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC, an autonomous statutory body, embodies India’s concern for the promotion and protection of human rights.
Its primary role is to protect and promote human rights, which are defined as rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of persons guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in international covenants and enforceable by courts in India.
–IANS
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