Widespread Sale of Substandard and Recycled Cooking Oil in Quetta Poses Serious Health Risks

QUETTA: The open sale of substandard, hazardous, and recycled cooking oil in Quetta and surrounding areas has become a serious public health concern. This low-quality oil is being widely used in general stores, bakeries, tandoors, and hotels, posing significant risks to consumers.

According to UNA, hundreds of liters of inferior cooking oil are being smuggled into Quetta from various districts of Balochistan, particularly Taftan, through unofficial routes. Traders allegedly mix this cheap recycled oil with previously used oil to increase quantity. Despite the oil’s deteriorated condition, shopkeepers and restaurant owners continue to use it for cooking.

Doctors and medical experts have warned that consuming such oil can lead to severe health issues, including stomach infections, cholera, food poisoning, gastric ulcers, high cholesterol, and liver complications. Clinics are reportedly receiving a growing number of patients suffering from fever, vomiting, and acute abdominal pain.

Residents claim that the Balochistan Food Authority and district administration have failed to take effective action despite repeated complaints. They point out that the oil is sold in open, unlabelled drums with no expiry or manufacturing details, in clear violation of food safety regulations.

Community leaders and social activists caution that if immediate measures are not taken, Quetta could face a major public health crisis—especially with the rise of gastrointestinal diseases during winter. They have urged authorities to inspect the entire supply chain of cooking oil, conduct raids on illegal warehouses and dealers, enforce the use of standard oil in restaurants and bakeries, and launch public awareness campaigns to help citizens protect their health.