Deep-Fried Food: How Many Times Can We Reuse Our Cooking Oil? | Talking Point | Full Episode

Summary

This episode of 'Talking Point' explores the health implications of reusing cooking oil in Singapore's hawker stalls. Through a survey and laboratory testing, it reveals that most hawkers reuse oil multiple times, leading to increased levels of harmful compounds like oxidized fats and carcinogenic alides. While hawkers cite time and cost constraints for not changing oil frequently, the episode emphasizes the need for consumers to be more discerning about deep-fried foods. Home cooks are also encouraged to reuse oil cautiously, depending on the type of food fried, highlighting a balance between taste and health.

Takeaways

• 😀 Most hawkers in Singapore reuse cooking oil multiple times, with over half using it more than five times.
• 🔍 Testing revealed harmful compounds like oxidized fats and alides in reused cooking oil, which can increase cancer risk.
• ⚠️ Oil reused more than five times contains nearly double the alides compared to oil reused just two to three times.
• 👀 Consumers can identify reused oil by observing its color; darker oils typically indicate excessive reuse.
• 💨 The presence of sustained smoke when heating oil indicates it has degraded and is potentially harmful.
• 🍽️ Home cooks can safely reuse oil by frying at lower temperatures (175-190°C) and filtering out food particles.
• 🍟 Freshly fried foods taste better and are healthier than those cooked in reused oil, as shown in taste tests.
• 💰 Changing cooking oil frequently can be costly for hawkers, especially with rising oil prices over the years.
• 🕒 Hawkers find it tedious to change oil, often taking several hours to drain, cool, and clean the frying equipment.
• 🤔 Being informed about the state of cooking oil can empower consumers to make healthier food choices when eating out.

Q & A

How many times do hawkers in Singapore typically reuse their cooking oil?

According to the investigation, 14% of hawkers reuse their oil once or twice, 29% reuse it three to four times, and more than half reuse their oil five times or more.

What health risks are associated with consuming reused cooking oil?

Reused cooking oil can contain oxidized fats and alides, which are harmful compounds that can increase the risk of heart disease and cancer.

What is the significance of the smoke point of cooking oil?

The smoke point indicates the temperature at which oil begins to degrade and produce smoke. A sustained release of smoke signifies that the oil has broken down, indicating it may be harmful to consume.

What visual cues can consumers use to assess the quality of reused cooking oil?

Consumers can look for changes in color; oils that appear darker, similar to soy sauce or fish sauce, have likely been reused many times and may be unhealthy.

What did the lab tests reveal about the difference between oils reused two to three times and those reused more than five times?

Lab tests showed that oils reused more than five times contained almost double the concentration of alides compared to those reused only two to three times.

Why do some hawkers resist changing their oil more frequently?

Many hawkers cite the cost of cooking oil, which has increased, and the time-consuming nature of changing oil as reasons for not changing it more often.

How can home cooks safely reuse cooking oil?

Home cooks can reuse oil by filtering it to remove food particles, storing it in a cool, dark place, and ensuring they use it for similar types of food to avoid flavor transfer.

What impact does the type of food being fried have on the healthiness of reused oil?

Frying more complex foods like fried chicken, which contain additional ingredients, can produce more harmful compounds in the oil compared to frying simpler foods like potatoes.

What did the taste test reveal about fried foods cooked in reused oil?

The taste test showed that curry puffs fried in fresh oil were preferred over those fried in reused oil, with the latter being described as overly oily and unpalatable.

What percentage of viewers reuse their cooking oil at home, and how many times do they typically do so?

A survey indicated that 46% of viewers use their oil only once, 38% reuse it two to three times, 4% reuse it more than four times, and 11% continue to use oil until it turns dark.