Taiwan uses 'fingerprint' technology to trace the origin of dirty oil

The "fingerprint" technology will create records for excess oils collected at markets or restaurants, preventing unidentified recycling of oil into clean oils.

>>> Effects of cooking oil waste to the body

Taiwan's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in October 2014 has developed a technology known as "fingerprint" or DNA, which allows the government to trace the origin of cooking oil, according to the Want China Times. .

Recycled waste oil from sewage in Taiwan shocked the public last year. (Photo: financet)

The technology will provide DNA identification or fingerprint identification for each batch of used cooking oil. When adding "fingerprints" to over-the-counter cooking oils from night markets and restaurants, it will help trace the origin. Oil is a liquid, "fingerprints" added to it can not be blown away by wind or water washed away.

Juan Kuo-tung, former head of the EPA's Environmental Analysis Laboratory, said the technology was studied three years ago in the laboratory for another application in the metallurgical industry. By marking slag slabs produced during the steelmaking process, scientists will prevent the discharge of toxic waste into the environment.

Traceability of used cooking oils becomes imperative. In early September 2014, a leading Taiwanese cooking oil company bought waste oil and processed it into clean oil for sale to consumers throughout Taiwan.

To prevent similar happenings, scientists will use "fingerprint" technology to trace the origin of recycled oil. This technology is inexpensive and ready for use. In the future, it is likely that Taiwan will sell the technology to the world.