Challenges of Cooking Oils in Fast-Food Restaurants of Iran: Views of Consumers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore Tehranian women’s perceptions about the quality and safety of cooking oils in fast-food restaurants and their behavior toward these challenges in 2018. A qualitative study with eight focus group discussions was conducted among 82 women using content analysis and constant comparison methods. Three categories emerged with 4 themes and 27 subthemes: (a) high usage of frying foods, (b) fast-food restaurants, and (c) building community trust. The majority of women had desirable knowledge about the disadvantages of cooking oils used in fast-food restaurants. The participants mentioned that the most challenging problem of fast-food restaurants was the reused cooking oils. Therefore, the health policy-makers should consider to develop a guideline for improving the cooking oils’ quality and safety in fast-food restaurants. It is recommended that the restaurant inspection system should be examined to identify appropriate ways of ensuring food safety.