Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil
Buriti oil is one of the highest natural sources of beta-carotene known and has a long history of indigenous food use. It is not an EFSA Novel Food authorization holder, so EU food sales are limited; in the US it is sold as a specialty oil/supplement.
What it is
Buriti oil — pressed from the fruit of the Amazonian moriche palm (Mauritia flexuosa); rich in beta-carotene and oleic acid. Used in cosmetics and some specialty foods.
Source of beta-carotene and monounsaturated fat in specialty foods; cosmetic emollient.
Why it's flagged
- high beta-carotene supplementation linked to lung cancer risk in smokers (CARET, ATBC trials) — exposure dependent
What regulators actually say
"The CARET and ATBC trials found that high doses of beta-carotene supplements increased the risk of lung cancer in smokers and asbestos-exposed workers."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Sold as specialty oil/supplement; no specific FDA GRAS notice
European Union — EFSA
Not on EU Novel Food authorization list as a food
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