Hong Kong moves to block repeat of ‘gutter oil’ scandal with new legislation

All imported and locally produced edible fat and oil will face tougher controls under a statutory safety system proposed yesterday to prevent another Taiwan-style "gutter oil" scandal.

The price of cooking oil could rise as a result of the new measures, and restaurant owners may pass this on to customers.

Some 20 recyclers in the city who collect waste cooking oil from restaurants will also have to obtain a licence under a new system aimed at preventing second-hand oil from entering the food chain again after being processed.

Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man explained that the government hoped to close a loophole on edible fat and oil exposed during the Taiwanese "gutter oil" scandal last October.

Currently, there is no law regulating the quality of such items being brought in and exported from the city. The new regulation would stipulate the maximum tolerable amount of harmful substances allowed in edible fats and oils, Ko said.

"We propose to make a statutory requirement," Ko said. "Waste cooking oil and substandard fat and oil not intended for human consumption should not be used as ingredients."