Karnataka Converts 32.69 Lakh Litres Used Oil to Biodiesel

Bengaluru, Jul 31 (PTI)— A substantial volume of 32.69 lakh litres of used cooking oil was gathered throughout Karnataka in the fiscal periods of 2024-25 and 2025-26 and directed towards biodiesel production facilities under the FSSAI's RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) mission, as reported by officials on Thursday. The update emerged from a video conference led by the Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, Bengaluru, on July 30, according to a departmental statement. Representatives from the RUCO agency were instructed to amplify efforts in collecting additional used oil and to assure its redirection to biodiesel plants. During the conference, hotel and bakery proprietors received stern warnings against reusing cooking oil and were instructed to transfer it to authorized RUCO agencies. It was recommended that business operators conduct oil testing at least biannually. The RUCO initiative, crucial to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's objectives, strives to procure used cooking oil from culinary businesses and transform it into biodiesel, thereby curbing its reuse in meal preparations. The conference spotlighted the promotion of cooking oils with diminished trans-fat content, the correct disposal of used oils, and adherence to hygiene and compliance in oil production, packaging, labeling, and vitamin fortification. Attendees of the meeting included district authorities, owners, and managers of food establishments, delegates from hotel and bakery associations, proprietors of FSSAI-registered RUCO agencies, and personnel from the Karnataka State Bio-Diesel Development Board. In conclusion, the Commissioner mandated that all cooking oil manufacturers uphold sanitary conditions, ensure proper labeling per FSSAI standards, and exclusively sell fortified edible oils with Vitamins A and D.

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)