Leh, 15 May 2026
The Food Safety Department, Leh, conducted an inspection-cum-on-spot testing drive on 15 May 2026 in various restaurants and food establishments around Leh, including Tibetan Refugee Market, Choglamsar, KFC, and nearby areas, to ensure compliance with food safety standards and promote safe food practices.
The inspection mainly focused on the quality and reuse of cooking oil used by Food Business Operators (FBOs). During the drive, on-the-spot testing of cooking oil was carried out to assess its suitability for continued use and to spread awareness regarding the harmful effects of repeatedly reused oil.
A total of 7 cooking oil samples were tested during the inspection:
* Compliance: 6
* Non-Compliance: 1
The Food Safety officials advised all FBOs not to reuse cooking oil more than three times, as excessive reuse of oil can lead to the formation of harmful compounds that may pose serious health risks to consumers, including heart-related diseases and other health complications.
The non-compliant FBO was instructed to take immediate corrective measures and strictly adhere to food safety regulations. Awareness was also created among restaurant owners and food handlers regarding proper oil handling, storage, and disposal practices.
The Food Safety Department remains committed to safeguarding public health through regular inspections, awareness programs, and enforcement of food safety standards across the Union Territory of Ladakh.
