Refined Vegetable Oil
Refined vegetable oils are permitted foods, but the umbrella term obscures wide differences in fatty-acid profile and processing contaminants. Refining at high temperatures generates 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters - EFSA and FDA have set/proposed maximum levels because of carcinogenicity concerns.
What it is
Generic term for plant oils (soy, canola, palm, sunflower, corn, etc.) that have undergone degumming, neutralisation, bleaching, and deodorisation.
Cooking and frying fat; ingredient in countless processed foods.
Why it's flagged
- May contain 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters from high-temperature refining
- Palm-based blends are high in saturated fat
What regulators actually say
"Maximum levels for glycidyl fatty acid esters expressed as glycidol: 1000 µg/kg for vegetable oils and fats placed on the market for the final consumer."
"EFSA established a tolerable daily intake of 0.8 µg/kg body weight per day for 3-MCPD; glycidyl fatty acid esters are genotoxic and carcinogenic."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted; FDA has issued draft guidance limiting glycidyl esters in infant formula.
European Union — EFSA
Permitted; Regulation (EU) 2020/1322 sets maximum levels of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in vegetable oils.
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