Fractionated And Interesterified Palm Oil
Interesterified palm fats were widely adopted as replacements for trans-fat-containing partially hydrogenated oils after FDA's 2018 PHO ban. Interesterification is not banned; FDA considers IE oils acceptable replacements.
What it is
Palm oil that has been both fractionated (separated into liquid/solid fractions by physical means) and interesterified (rearrangement of fatty acids on glycerol backbone via enzymatic or chemical catalysis).
Structuring fat / replacement for partially hydrogenated oils.
Why it's flagged
- high saturated fat
- mixed evidence on cardiometabolic effects of palmitic-acid-rich IE fats
- process contaminants 3-MCPD/glycidyl esters
What regulators actually say
"Interesterified oils appear to be safe; they're made from soybean oil and typically include more polyunsaturated fatty acids than palm oil. According to industry comments, palm oil and its fractions are likely to be the initial replacement ingredient of choice for many PHOs."
"Evidence to date on the cardiovascular health effects of IE fats is largely based on studies using IE fats that are not used commercially. More research using commercially relevant products and doses is needed."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
IE oils are not banned; permitted as replacement for PHOs
European Union — EFSA
Authorized; max levels for 3-MCPD/glycidyl esters in palm oils per Reg 2023/915
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