CIDG raids Isabela warehouse selling recycled cooking oil

The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group raided a warehouse in Isabela following complaints about the alleged sale of recycled cooking oil.

According to a 24 Oras report by Marisol Abdurahman, authorities discovered the illegal operation in progress and confiscated gallons of used cooking oil valued at approximately P3.5 million.

Instead of being properly disposed of, the oil was reportedly reprocessed to appear fresh and then resold to the public.

CIDG Director Police Major General Nicolas Torre III confirmed that the recycled oil came from a well-known fast-food chain and was processed by a third-party entity.

"Imbes na itapon, or i-dispose ang ginagawa ay nire-recylce. May mga third party contractors kasi na nagdi-dispose talaga niyan," Torre emphasized.

(Instead of being thrown away or disposed of, these are recycled. Some third-party contractors are responsible for proper disposal.)

The Food and Drug Administration is closely monitoring the case.

According to studies by the World Health Organization, consuming repeatedly used cooking oil increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases.

A separate study by the Singapore Food Agency also links recycled cooking oil consumption to a higher risk of cancer.

"Kailangan lahat ng ating ibinebenta ay dumaan sa kanila for inspection muna, any violations of those regulations we just can't imagine there could be immediate complications there could be long term complications," Torre added.

(Everything we sell must first go through their inspection. Any violations of those regulations—we can't even imagine—could lead to immediate and long-term complications.)

The suspects face charges for violating the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, the Consumer Act of the Philippines, and the Food Safety Act.

Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the operation and its potential impact on public health. — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News