14/01/2026
KMC SEIZES 180 LITRES OF DEGRADED COOKING OIL IN CBD CRACKED
Kabwe Municipal Council (KMC) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health following the seizure of 180 litres of heavily reused cooking oil from food business premises in the Central Business District.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Unit, KMC said the Department of Public Health acted after receiving a formal public complaint alleging the sale and use of degraded cooking oil. Health Inspectors subsequently carried out a targeted inspection, during which nine buckets of the unsafe oil were confiscated and removed from circulation.
The council said the action was taken to prevent the immediate sale of food products that posed a risk to consumers and did not meet required safety standards.
KMC emphasized that under the Food Safety Act No. 7 of 2019 and the Public Health Act Chapter 295 of the Laws of Zambia, it is strictly prohibited to sell or use food that is contaminated or injurious to health. The use of deteriorated cooking oil, the council noted, is a direct violation of these laws.
The local authority also warned the public about the health risks associated with repeatedly heating cooking oil. According to the statement, reheating oil alters its molecular structure, leading to the formation of toxic compounds such as aldehydes and trans fats. Scientific research has linked consumption of these substances to oxidative stress and inflammation, which damage body cells, as well as increased long-term risks of colorectal, breast, and lung cancers.
To protect public health, KMC urged all food handlers to adhere to basic safety practices, including using fresh, high-quality oil for each frying session, closely monitoring oil quality, and disposing of oil that has darkened, thickened, or developed an acrid smell. The council stressed that prioritizing customer safety is the most effective way for businesses to avoid severe legal penalties or closure.
KMC further announced that it will continue conducting regular, unannounced inspections across all shopping centres to ensure full compliance with food safety and public health regulations.
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