Students from high schools around Finetown and Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, are using leftover cooking oil to add flavor to their school nutrition program's lunches. Some children have been eating this residue at school and at home for more than five years.

The oil containing the remains of fried food is extracted from frying pans and machines in fast-food shops. Instead of discarding it safely, employees of some of these shops sell it to learners and street vendors. Health-e News Spoke to the manager of one of the local fast-food outlets, who said he was unaware that leftovers were being sold to the community, as the store prohibits it.

“We buy 10 liters for R250-280,” says one vendor. Health-e News. “Then we pack them in small plastic bags to sell for Rs 5 each. “This 10-litre bucket trades for R450-500 which means the profits are very good.”

A learner calls the residue, known as 'Lalaza'Also sold in their communities. “There are houses that sell these pieces to survive. People like us are taking a risk by selling in schools where business is brisk, and there are more customers.”

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Health effects of Laza

Last month, learners in Sebokeng reportedly experienced hallucinations, drowsiness and diarrhea afterward.You are eating lalaza. The parents informed the police about this. In a statement issued to Health-e NewsSebokeng police station communications officer Sergeant Mokhachane said the SAPS has launched an investigation to verify the content lalaza.

Reusing cooking oil is considered harmful, but its consumers lalaza are unaware of risk.

“I'm not sure about the health impact of the pieces on other children and myself because I also eat it. I haven't heard any complaints from my customers. I only see them coming for more and more”, says Sipho*, a 17-year-old learner from Finetown, who is a popular vendor. lalaza At Lenasia South School.

“I buy this stock from a man in the neighbourhood. He is able to get these pieces through the back door from the staff of the fast-food outlet in Ennerdale.”

“Residues will not be absorbed well in terms of nutrition and oils that have had their composition changed may pose a risk of cancer, making it harmful and risky to consume such oils,” warns Meghan Howell, a dietitian at Tygerberg Academic Hospital in Cape Town.

school rules

In 2024, the Department of Basic Education introduced specific compliance and rules for school vendors, hawkers and tuck shops. These included obtaining the Certificate of Acceptance (COA). Sellers who could not meet the requirements were immediately barred from selling.