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As a part of a regular inspection activity, the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) checked the quality and safety of frying oils used by restaurants and fast food operators for preparation of meals. In approximately one in ten establishments, CAFIA inspectors assessed the oil in frying equipment as unfit for human consumption.

In 2023, CAFIA inspectors evaluated the condition of oils and frying equipment in a total of 194 catering establishments and assessed 226 frying oil samples. In non-compliant samples, the inspectors detected the use of so-called burnt oils and assessed them as food unfit for human consumption or for preparation of meals. In 2 samples, laboratory analysis confirmed even a very high degree of thermal decomposition of the oil in question.

The inspectors evaluated the samples on the basis of sensory assessment - smell, taste, colour, presence of carbonized residues, etc., and supporting determination of the content of so-called polar substances (TPM) as well as on the basis of laboratory determination of polymeric triacylglycerols (PTG) performed in the CAFIA accredited laboratory in Prague. In several samples, the laboratory confirmed that the thermal degradation values (PTG) of the frying oils exceeded the acceptable values by up to multiple times.

The inspection also included compliance with good frying practice and hygiene requirements for fryers, which is a prerequisite for production of safe and quality meals.  In 10 establishments inspected, the inspectors imposed measures related to a non-compliance with hygiene requirements for equipment (fryers) laid down by Annex II, Chapter V of Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004. The operators remedied the non-compliant condition and must continue to ensure regular cleaning of fryers at a sufficient frequency. In 2 cases, the fryer did not have a functioning thermostat, and related measures were therefore imposed.

Overheated frying oils contain unsafe substances.

Compared to the inspections in previous years, there is a trend towards an improvement in the situation, where inspectors have detected unsatisfactory frying oil in up to 17% of the samples evaluated in the previous 3 years, however, the overall situation cannot be considered satisfactory and CAFIA will therefore continue to inspect frying oils in catering establishments in the future as well.

The inspectors ordered the inspected persons who violated the regulations to remedy them and initiated administrative proceedings to impose a fine. An overview of all compliant and non-compliant samples evaluated during the inspection activity is available on the Food Pillory in its section Thematic controls.

Article by: Pavel Kopřiva – CAFIA Spokesperson, phone: +420 542 426 633 

5^th February 2024