Palm And Palm Kernel Oil
Palm and palm kernel oils are very high in saturated fat (about 50% and 80% respectively). U.S.
What it is
Edible vegetable oils derived from the fruit (palm oil) and seed kernel (palm kernel oil) of the oil palm Elaeis guineensis. Both are high in saturated fat.
Frying medium, structural fat in baked goods, confectionery, margarines, and processed foods due to high oxidative stability and semi-solid texture at room temperature.
Why it's flagged
- Very high saturated fat content
- May raise LDL cholesterol when consumed in excess
- 3-MCPD and glycidyl ester process contaminants
What regulators actually say
"Glycidyl fatty acid esters (GE), 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD), and 2-monochloropropanediol (2-MCPD) and their fatty acid esters are processing contaminants found... mainly in palm oil and palm fat... The highest levels were found in palm oils and palm fats."
"Limit foods and beverages higher in... saturated fat... Consume less than 10 percent of calories per day from saturated fat starting at age 2."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted food ingredient.
European Union — EFSA
Permitted; EFSA has flagged process contaminants (3-MCPD, glycidyl esters) formed during refining as a concern.
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