Red Palm Fruit Oil
Red palm oil is a whole/minimally processed oil rich in tocotrienols and carotenoids. It is high in saturated fat (~50%), which elevates LDL cholesterol.
What it is
Unrefined or minimally refined oil pressed from the fruit of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), retaining its red color from carotenoids.
Cooking oil; provides natural color, vitamin A precursors (carotenoids), and high oxidative stability.
Why it's flagged
- high saturated fat (~50%)
- potential LDL elevation
What regulators actually say
"Oil, palm — saturated fat approximately 49 g per 100 g."
"Glycidyl fatty acid esters (GE), 3-monochloropropane diol (3-MCPD), and 2-monochloropropane diol (2-MCPD) found in palm oils raise potential health concerns."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as a food ingredient.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized; processed palm oils may contain glycidyl esters—EFSA set limits via Reg. 2020/1322.
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