Used cooking oil (UCO) regulations in the food industry: impact, challenges, and opportunities

Abstract

Recently, the heightened interest in using Used Cooking Oil (UCO) has been spurred by a growing awareness of its attendant challenges. UCO Regulations have already been implemented in the food industry, highlighting the importance of its management to mitigate the health and environmental risks it poses. The enforcement of these regulations has yielded substantial environmental benefits by fostering increased awareness and compliance. This research has comprehensively analyzed UCO regulations and statutes across four distinct countries: the EU, the USA, China, and Taiwan. Still, some challenges exist, including the necessity of ensuring compliance with regulations among various food businesses and the limited enforcement measures currently in place. We also reviewed relevant judiciary cases regarding UCO to understand the regulations better. To garner insights into the challenges confronted, a dual-pronged survey targeted discerning consumers and proactive food business operators. This research encapsulates a comprehensive evaluation of extant UCO regulations and their ramifications and delves into the experiential realms through empirical consumer and operator surveys. This study proffers nuanced recommendations by amalgamating consumers' legal understanding and pragmatic insights.