Sunflower Fat
Generally safe; high in unsaturated fats. If partially hydrogenated, would have contained trans fats — but partially hydrogenated oils are no longer permitted in the US food supply (FDA, 2018).
What it is
Fat/oil derived from sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus), often partially hydrogenated or fractionated for solid fat applications.
Provides fat for texture and mouthfeel in baked goods and confectionery.
Why it's flagged
- if hydrogenated/fractionated, may be high in saturated fat
What regulators actually say
"FDA has determined that there is no longer a consensus among qualified experts that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs)... are generally recognized as safe."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Sunflower oil/fat is GRAS; FDA banned partially hydrogenated oils as no longer GRAS (2015 final determination, full removal by 2020).
European Union — EFSA
Authorized; EU has set a 2% limit on industrial trans fats in foods (Regulation 2019/649).
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