40 liters of unsafe cooking oil and 40 kg rotten tomatoes found in a popular fast food outlet in Jaipur

We often skip street food and choose fast food chains, considering hygiene and healthy cooking practices will be in place. But a recent investigation has put a question mark on a leading fast food chain. According to TOI City reports, in a surprise inspection at a McDonald's facility at Gaurav Tower in Jaipur, the Rajasthan health department food safety officers found higher than permissible levels of total polar compound (TPC) levels in the refined palm cooking oil used for French fries and other items.According to TOI city report, during the inspection, the frying oil appeared "extremely black and unusable", yet it continued to be heated to around 150 degrees Celsius and used throughout the day. Approximately 40 litres of oil were destroyed on-site, and fresh oil was ordered for immediate use.Officials reported that the oil used for non-vegetarian items contained TPC levels of 28%, while the oil used for vegetarian preparations recorded an even higher 31%.Dr Manish Mittal, Chief Medical Health Officer (Jaipur-II), told TOI that TPC is a crucial measure of oil quality and safety. Once it crosses the 25% threshold, the oil can begin generating carcinogenic compounds and elevated trans fats that are linked to heart disease risk.As per the report, in addition to oil violation officials allegedly found 40 kg of rotten tomatoes stored in plastic crates inside the cold room. These were destroyed on the spot.As per the report, the restaurant manager was also present at the spot, and was directed to use fresh oil with immediate effect. An improvement notice is expected to be issued to the outlet under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Further action will depend on the detailed analysis of the collected samples.In response to the investigation, McDonald's spokesperson has told NDTV that they acknowledge the routine inspection conducted and are fully cooperating with the authorities. "We follow rigorous McDonald's global standards and remain strictly compliant with the guidelines prescribed by FSSAI and food regulatory authorities," the statement added.