About
Corn oil (maize oil) is a vegetable oil extracted from the germ of corn (Zea mays), predominantly composed of linoleic acid (omega-6), oleic acid, and palmitic acid; it is widely used for cooking, frying, salad dressings, margarines, and as a functional ingredient in processed foods including infant formula.
Safety summary
Corn oil is broadly recognized as safe by all major regulatory bodies and carries FDA GRAS status with no established ADI, as it is a conventional food ingredient rather than a food additive. Its very high omega-6 linoleic acid content (49–62% by weight) may contribute to an unfavorable omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio when consumed in excess. Refined corn oil can contain trace process contaminants — glycidyl fatty acid esters (GE) and 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) — formed during high-temperature refining, which EFSA has flagged as a particular concern for infants and high consumers across all age groups.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Corn oil is approved as a conventional food ingredient (edible vegetable oil) in the EU and carries no E-number, as it is not classified as a food additive. EFSA has assessed process contaminants — glycidyl fatty acid esters (GE) and 3-MCPD — that form during high-temperature refining (approx. 200°C) of vegetable oils, finding potential health concerns for young age groups and high consumers. EU Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 sets maximum levels for process contaminants in vegetable oils.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Corn oil is permitted as an edible vegetable oil under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. FSSAI also regulates voluntary fortification of edible vegetable oils with Vitamins A and D under the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018. Quality and identity standards for edible oils fall under FSSAI's ongoing standards revision programme.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | GRAS Notice GRN No. 704 covers corn oil derived as a by-product of the ethanol production process (Corn Oil Zero / COZ), approved for use in all foods where standard vegetable oil would be used, including baked goods, confections, frying, and cooking, per 21 CFR Part 170, Subpart E.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. GRAS Notice No. GRN 000704: Corn Oil (By-product of Ethanol Production). fda.gov
- 2FDA. Food Additive Status List — FDA (Defoaming Agents: Corn Oil), 2026. fda.gov
- 3FDA. GRAS Notice No. GRN 000900: Corn Oil for Use in Infant Formula, 2020. fda.gov
- 4EFSA. Process Contaminants in Vegetable Oils and Foods: Glycidyl Fatty Acid Esters, 3-MCPD and 2-MCPD, 2016. efsa.europa.eu
- 5FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 — Compendium, 2011. fssai.gov.in