PANAJI
The State Cabinet on Wednesday approved the State's ‘Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Policy’, making Goa one of the few states to adopt a structured framework for the collection, monitoring and recycling of used cooking oil to prevent its reuse in food and promote its conversion into biodiesel.
The policy aims to stop used cooking oil from re-entering the food chain, strengthen food safety standards, reduce environmental pollution and create a transparent ecosystem for collection and recycling through a digital traceability mechanism.
As per the policy, food business operators will be required to ensure that cooking oil does not exceed the 25 per cent Total Polar Compounds (TPC) limit prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). FDA Goa will carry out risk-based inspections using handheld TPC meters, with inspection results uploaded to a central digital dashboard.
A key feature of the policy is a QR code-based traceability system linking restaurants and other generators of used cooking oil with authorised aggregators. Every collection will generate a geo-tagged e-receipt, enabling authorities to reconcile the quantity of oil handed over with the quantity received by aggregators. Any mismatch in the supply chain will be flagged for audit.
To encourage compliance, the government will introduce a "Freshly Fried" recognition programme under which establishments consistently adhering to TPC norms and regularly handing over used cooking oil for recycling will receive a digital badge. Consumers will be able to scan the QR code displayed at such establishments to view details of the latest TPC inspection, recycling status and hygiene rating.
The policy identifies improper disposal and reuse of cooking oil as major public health and environmental concerns. It notes that discarded oil can contaminate water bodies, clog drainage systems and, if repeatedly used for cooking, pose serious health risks. Recycling of used cooking oil into biodiesel and other products is expected to reduce waste, conserve natural resources and support the circular economy.
The Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has been designated as the nodal implementing agency. It will develop and maintain a digital portal for registration of UCO generators and aggregators, facilitate utilisation of used cooking oil for biodiesel production in the transport sector, coordinate with departments and promote the establishment 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 a condition while granting consent to establishments and the Environment Department will ensure registration and disposal through authorised aggregators mandatory. FDA Goa will oversee TPC monitoring, maintain the digital dashboard, publish periodic performance scorecards and enforce penalties for violations, local bodies will enforce grease-trap norms and monitor drains and markets, while tourism and restaurant associations will conduct awareness programmes and encourage compliance.
A committee headed by the Director of New and Renewable Energy will decide the price of used cooking oil.
