New list aims to reduce ‘gutter oil’

A list of authorized oil recycling companies is being compiled in a new campaign aimed at curbing the unlicensed processing of cooked oils to prevent 'gutter oil' from landing on household dinner tables, Shanghai authorities said Wednesday.

But restaurants will not be forced to use listed companies, local authorities admitted Wednesday.

The most recent move to curb the spread of 'gutter oil' or recycled cooking oil in the city follows the municipal government's priority put on food safety last year and after several reports of restaurants selling their used cooking oil to companies, which then redistribute it on the market under the guise of qualified oil despite food safety laws prohibiting recycled oils from being used as raw materials for food products.

"There are roughly 20 licensed oil recycling companies in the city, but not all of them meet set standards," Guo Naishun, secretary-general of the recycling of renewable waste resources committee, told the Global Times Wednesday. "We are trying to change that and make oil recycling companies more accountable to the public."

Local oil recycling companies require a registered capital of 1 million yuan ($158,830) and a working space of no less than 1,000 square meters with airtight workshops capable of processing more than 20 tons of waste water containing oil and an oil tank with more than 10 tons of storage space.

Video surveillance equipment linking up with the district's supervision department is also a necessity for companies, if they are to meet qualifications and make the list, said Guo.

Companies that fail to meet such standards will not make the list, Guo added, declining to comment on what action will be taken against such companies.

But the authorities said that companies that make the list will benefit from more business opportunities.

Local oil recycling companies are also permitted to apply for a spot on the list of qualified companies by March 2, if they want to be considered by authorities.