Reusing the same cooking oil multiple times makes it severely detrimental to heart health. However, if this used cooking oil is properly collected and converted into biodiesel, it can become an effective fuel source for vehicles and machinery.
Md. Shafiqul Islam, Chairman of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), made these remarks at a seminar held in Shahbag, Dhaka, on Wednesday.
Seminar Details
The seminar titled 'Harmful Effects of Used Cooking Oil on Human Health and Environment' was jointly organized by BFSA and Biotech Energy Limited. The event took place in the morning at the training room of the BFSA headquarters. Speaking as the chief guest, Md. Shafiqul Islam said that two organs of the body are considered most important: the head and the heart. He emphasized that used cooking oil directly attacks the heart."Heart is directly attacked by used cooking oil. Therefore, besides individuals, businesses must also be encouraged to avoid using burnt oil," — Md. Shafiqul Islam said.
He further stated that raising public awareness about the health risks of used cooking oil is crucial, alongside ensuring its proper management. If this waste oil is collected and processed into biodiesel, it would not only benefit the environment but also contribute to meeting the country's energy demands.
Health Risks and Potential
According to experts, repeated heating of oil creates harmful chemical compounds that directly impact the cardiovascular system. Long-term consumption of such oil increases the risk of heart attacks and various other complex diseases. Speakers at the seminar also discussed the economic and environmental benefits of producing biodiesel through the recycling of used cooking oil.The authorities have indicated plans to develop an effective framework for the collection and processing of used cooking oil in the future.
