Mustard Oil
Edible mustard oil is widely used in South Asian cuisines but contains significant erucic acid, which has been associated with cardiac myocardial lipidosis in animal studies. The FDA does not authorize 100% mustard oil for cooking — it can be sold only labeled 'for external use only' — while the EU caps erucic acid in vegetable oils.
What it is
Oil pressed from mustard seeds (Brassica spp.), high in monounsaturated fats and naturally containing erucic acid.
Cooking oil and flavoring; pungency from allyl isothiocyanate.
Why it's flagged
- Erucic acid content
- FDA restrictions on edible use
What regulators actually say
"Expressed mustard oil is not permitted for use as a vegetable oil; in the U.S. it must be labeled 'For External Use Only.'"
"Maximum levels of erucic acid in vegetable oils and foods containing added vegetable oils set at 20.0 g/kg."
"EFSA established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 7 mg/kg body weight per day for erucic acid based on cardiac effects in animals."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not authorized for cooking; sold 'for external use only' due to erucic acid
European Union — EFSA
Erucic acid limited under Regulation 2019/1870 to 20 g/kg in vegetable oils and fats placed on EU market
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