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In a bid to safeguard public health, health experts emphasized the urgency of avoiding cooking oils contaminated with carcinogenic compounds such as glycidyl esters (GE) and 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (3-MCPD). The global challenge of reducing these contaminants in vegetable oils has emerged as a critical issue impacting the food industry and oil refiners worldwide.
GE and 3-MCPD may form in edible oils during the industrial refining process when exposed to high temperatures to eliminate undesirable tastes, colors, or odors. While the highest concentrations are typically found in refined palm oil and palm olein oil, these contaminants also permeate other refined vegetable oils and marine oils commonly used in cooking methods like deep frying, baking, grilling, and roasting.
The experts highlighted the potential health risks associated with the consumption of oils containing these contaminants. Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, emphasized the need for urgent action. “With increasing incidences of cancer in the country, there is an urgent need to address carcinogenic contaminants like GE and 3-MCPD in cooking oils,” he said.
Echoing similar concerns, Dr. Sushila Kataria, Director of Internal Medicine at Medanta, Gurugram, underscored the importance of government regulations. “It’s vital to highlight the alarming health risks posed by GE and 3-MCPD contaminants in cooking oils,” she stated. “Exposure to these contaminants is linked to severe health issues, including kidney damage and various cancers.”
The experts called for regulatory measures akin to those implemented in Europe, where the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) established acceptable levels of processing contaminants in vegetable oils for human consumption. “India must align with EFSA guidelines on these contaminants,” they emphasized.
Despite India’s progress in controlling trans fats, limited action has been taken to formulate guidelines addressing GE and 3-MCPD. The experts stressed the importance of government bodies, including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in implementing regulations to control and minimize these contaminants in cooking oil.
In conclusion, the health experts urged consumers to be vigilant and opt for cooking oils compliant with EU safety regulations concerning 3-MCPD and GE. They emphasized that regulatory measures and increased awareness are crucial steps toward promoting healthier and safer choices in cooking oils, ultimately contributing to the nation’s public health agenda.
