Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jul 23: The Goa Cabinet has approved the State’s Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Policy, making it among the few states in the country to introduce a structured system for the collection, monitoring and recycling of used cooking oil.

The policy aims to prevent used cooking oil from re-entering the food chain, improve food safety standards, reduce environmental pollution and promote its conversion into biodiesel through a transparent digital tracking mechanism.

Under the new policy, food business operators will have to ensure that cooking oil does not cross the 25 per cent Total Polar Compounds (TPC) limit prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Goa will conduct risk-based inspections using handheld TPC meters, with inspection details uploaded to a central digital dashboard.

A major feature of the policy is the introduction of a QR code-based traceability system, which will connect restaurants and other used cooking oil generators with authorised aggregators. Each collection will generate a geo-tagged e-receipt, allowing authorities to track the quantity of oil collected and delivered for recycling. Any mismatch in the supply chain will be flagged for audit.

To encourage compliance among establishments, the government will launch a "Freshly Fried" recognition programme. Restaurants and food outlets that consistently follow TPC norms and hand over used cooking oil for recycling will receive a digital badge.

Consumers will be able to scan QR codes displayed at such establishments to check details of recent TPC inspections, recycling status and hygiene ratings.

The policy highlights the health and environmental risks associated with improper disposal and repeated reuse of cooking oil. Discarded oil can pollute water bodies and block drainage systems, while repeatedly heated oil can pose health hazards.

The government expects recycling used cooking oil into biodiesel and other products to reduce waste, conserve resources and support the circular economy.

The Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has been appointed as the nodal implementing agency. GEDA will develop and maintain a digital portal for registration of UCO generators and aggregators, facilitate the use of recycled oil for biodiesel production in the transport sector and coordinate the setting up of recycling facilities.

The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) will make registration on the GEDA portal and disposal of used cooking oil through authorised aggregators mandatory for establishments seeking consent.

The Environment Department will also ensure compliance, while FDA Goa will oversee TPC monitoring, maintain performance records and take action against violations.

Local bodies will enforce grease-trap norms and monitor drains and markets, while tourism and restaurant associations will conduct awareness programmes to encourage adoption of the policy.

A committee headed by the Director of New and Renewable Energy will determine the price of used cooking oil under the new framework.