Select healthy cooking oils for public well-being

In today’s world, consumers must remain vigilant against the unscrupulous practices of certain businesses that peddle low-quality and adulterated cooking oils. Consuming such oils can lead to detrimental health conditions, making it imperative for individuals to make informed choices in the realm of cooking oils.
Unscrupulous businesspersons have, unfortunately, shown a penchant for producing and selling substandard cooking oils and adulterated products. Their disregard for the well-being of consumers is evident, as they seize every opportunity to cut corners and maximize profits. Fortunately, relevant regulatory bodies and organizations are poised to take legal action against these unscrupulous actors.
Within the domestic market, there are instances where oil dealers intentionally market subpar cooking oils in an attempt to reduce costs and gain a competitive edge. Their misguided belief is that by offering lower-priced cooking oils, they can bolster their market image and secure the trust of consumers. However, they fail to recognize that they, too, are consumers, and they would not willingly subject themselves to the health risks associated with the oils they sell.
It is essential to acknowledge that their actions are not absolved by any ethical or religious doctrine, and their behaviour perpetuates a harmful cycle. Consequently, consumers endure financial losses and wasted resources when they purchase oils of inferior quality and lower quantity. This nefarious market conduct is pervasive and, regrettably, has become an accepted norm.
A research paper presented at the 47th Myanmar Medical Research Conference in 2019 stated that laboratory tests on various samples of cooking oils, including peanut oil, palm oil, fried oil, labelled sunflower oil, and horse gram oil, uncovered the prevalent adulteration of peanut oils with palm oils.
However, sunflower and horse gram oils remained free from adulteration. This research underscored the malpractices of unscrupulous oil dealers and sounded a warning bell regarding the health of consumers who unwittingly consume these unsafe oils.
The research paper was based on extensive surveys involving 96 samples of cooking oils collected from four major markets in the Yangon Region. Consumers must be discerning in their choice of cooking oils to protect their health and well-being. It is essential to hold unscrupulous businesses accountable and support regulations that ensure the availability of safe and high-quality cooking oils in the market. By making informed choices and advocating for safer products, consumers can safeguard their health and contribute to a market that prioritizes their well-being over profit margins.