Why is canola oil banned in Europe? Europe, known for its stringent regulations on food products, raises the question of whether canola oil faces a ban.
Canola oil, derived from the seeds of the canola plant, serves as a common cooking oil and is classified as a vegetable oil.
Amidst the extensive online discussions surrounding the safety and health benefits of consuming canola oil,
one enduring rumor links it to a purported ban in Europe.
Is canola oil banned in Europe?
Why did people think canola oil was banned in Europe?
Erucic acid is the key factor, as it contains a high level of fatty content that could potentially pose health risks.
According to the European Food Safety and Authority, erucic acid is a naturally occurring contaminant in vegetable oil,
- present in both canola and rapeseed oil.
While both oils originate from the same plant, rapeseed oil contains a significant 50 percent erucic acid and is suitable for industrial or culinary purposes.
On the other hand, canola oil must contain less than 2 percent erucic acid to meet international consumption regulations.
It’s worth noting that some countries have raised concerns about erucic acid but haven’t gone as far as banning it outright.
Specifically, the European Union has addressed these concerns through legislation.
In 1976, the EFSA established maximum limits for erucic acid as a contaminant in vegetable oils, fats,
and foods containing added vegetable oils and fats as an ingredient.
Is canola oil safe to consume?
In fact, canola oil plays a prominent role in the Nordic diet, much like how olive oil features in the Mediterranean diet, as Healthline has pointed out.
Notably, canola oil is relatively healthier among cooking oils, with only 7 percent of daily saturated fat, compared to olive oil’s 14 percent.
In essence, like any other cooking oil, canola oil is safe when you consume in moderation.
Sustainability Concerns
Canola oil production has notable environmental concerns, including pesticide use, high water consumption, and transportation emissions.
Local oils like Mediterranean olive oil offer more sustainable alternatives.
The canola oil manufacturing process involves heat and chemicals, further impacting the environment.
Despite some efforts for organic and non-GMO canola oil, its overall sustainability is still a debate.
In the midst of the canola oil debate, be wary of greenwashing.
Some companies portray canola oil as ‘healthy’ and ‘natural’ while downplaying health and environmental risks.
Carefully inspect labels and research companies before purchasing.
Greenwashing is a widespread issue in the food industry, necessitating consumer knowledge to distinguish genuine sustainability from marketing tactics.
