Sale of ‘poison’ on Diwali! FSSAI destroyed 7000 snacks and hundreds of liters of dirty oil, 32 shops were hit.

During festive preparations, the demand for snacks and other fried food items often increases, but the safety of the cooking oil used in making them is a concern. Kerala’s Food Safety Department has deployed 56 special teams across the state as part of a major operation. Their objective was to investigate the unsafe reuse of cooking oil and detect violations of food safety regulations.

During the operation, 160 locations were inspected, 568 liters of used cooking oil and 7,000 snacks were destroyed, and the licenses of 32 food businesses were suspended. Apart from this, 23 notices were also issued for non-compliance of food safety rules. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has shared a video on ‘X’ (Twitter) showing the action taken by state authorities against reuse of unsafe cooking oil.

The Food Safety Department of Kerala deployed 56 special squads to conduct a comprehensive inspection on reuse of unsafe cooking oil across the state. 160 investigations were conducted, 32 licenses were suspended and 23 notices were issued for non-compliance. #FSSAIaction #FSSAIinStates #RUCO

— FSSAI (@fssaiindia) November 9, 2026

Kerala Food Security Campaign: 56 special teams inspected 160 locations

Under this checking operation, 56 special teams were deployed to check food establishments (food shops/establishments) across Kerala. The teams visited 160 locations and conducted inspections, mainly focusing on reuse of cooking oil and compliance with food safety norms. The action was aimed at detecting unsafe cooking methods and preventing the sale of food products made from reused or spoiled cooking oil.

568 liters of used cooking oil and 7,000 snacks were destroyed

During the investigation, 568 liters of used cooking oil was found, which was destroyed. In addition, officials also threw away 7,000 snacks taking action against unsafe food practices. Frequent heating and use of cooking oil can cause chemical changes in it, leading to the formation of harmful compounds. Therefore, it is important for food industries to follow the prescribed food safety rules while using cooking oil.

32 food business licenses suspended, 23 notices issued

Under this campaign, action was also taken against establishments violating food safety rules. According to FSSAI data, officials suspended 32 licenses and issued 23 notices for non-compliance. The action is part of efforts to improve food safety oversight and ensure that food businesses adhere to set standards.

Where does FSSAI point?

Sharing details of this campaign on X, FSSAI highlighted the work done by the Kerala Food Safety Department through its special inspection teams. The main objective of this initiative was to prevent re-use of unsafe cooking oil and ensure strict compliance of regulations across the state. The department’s action comes at a time when consumption of fried snacks and other food items increases during festivals. Through inspections, destruction of unsafe food and action against non-compliant establishments, authorities are trying to strengthen food safety systems and protect consumers.