Soya Oil
Also known as: Soybean oil, soy oil, soyabean oil
Refined soybean oil is FDA-GRAS. Highly refined soybean oil is exempt from FALCPA allergen labeling because refining removes essentially all soy protein, but the source must still appear in the ingredient list as 'soybean oil'.
What it is
Vegetable oil extracted from soybeans (Glycine max), typically refined, bleached, and deodorized. High in polyunsaturated fats, particularly linoleic acid.
Cooking/frying oil, ingredient in margarines, salad dressings, mayonnaise, baked goods; also used as a carrier for flavors and vitamins.
Why it's flagged
- Source allergen (soybeans) is a FALCPA major allergen, though refined oil is exempt
- High in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats; dietary balance debated
What regulators actually say
"The source of highly refined oils that are derived from major food allergens are not required to be declared under section 403(w) of the FD&C Act. However, under the general ingredient labeling requirements, the source of all oils ... must be included as part of the common or usual name of the oil in the ingredient list (such as soybean oil) (21 CFR 101.4(b)(14))."
"FALCPA identified eight foods or food groups as the major food allergens. These are milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS; exempt from allergen labeling when highly refined per FALCPA
European Union — EFSA
permitted; soy is a mandatory allergen on EU labels (Annex II of 1169/2011)
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