July 10, 2024, New Delhi: After suspending the license of a unit of KFC in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu over the use of magnesium silicate synthetic (A food additive) to purify used oils, the Food Safety and Standards of Authority of India (FSSAI) has now summoned the restaurant chain’s Indian headquarters in Mumbai. Besides this, a Delhi-based manufacturer of MSS and a packing firm in Telangana have also been summoned for an inquiry on July 15.
It must be known that the outlet was using magnesium silicate synthetic to purify used oilswhich was not permissible as per FSSAI standards.
Meanwhile, the American restaurant chain’s statement to The Indian Express reads, “KFC India is committed to follow the best practices and international standards. High-quality oil and chicken is sourced from reputed suppliers, and all applicable safety and quality standards laid down by the FSSAI and other authorities are stringently followed. The use of Magnesium Silicate as a clarifying agent is approved as per FSSAI, and KFC chicken is completely safe for consumption after cooking.”
Earlier, after finding out reduced quantity of disposal of used oils to the authorised biodiesel dealer from the outlet, the designated food safety officials carried out a surprise inspection at the outlet.It was found that the KFC unit was returning only 100 litres of refined edible vegetable oilper month to the FSSAI authorised used oil aggregators, whereas the consumption was close to 1,350-1,500 litres every month. Thus, the inspection was carried out. According to the FSSAI rules, oil once used cannot be reused.
However, against the set standards, MSS was being used for cleaning and polishing used oil. As per the rule set, the use of MSS as a food additive has been restricted to certain foods like salt and that too in manufacturing units, while having no role in food services businesses like restaurants.
The designated food safety officer DrMariappan was quoted saying, “Nowhere the FSS Act or rules or regulations permit the use of MSS, a food additive, to polish or clean used oil. Hence, there is no role for MSS in food services establishments like restaurants.”
Earlier, food safety officials seized 18 kg of MSS, 45 litresof polished used oil and 56kg of marinated chicken from the food chain outlet, reportedly said to have been kept beyond the prescribed time limit.
Meanwhile, the samples of MSS and the polished used oil have been sent for laboratory analysis, whilethe KFC outlet has been shut until further notice.
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