About
Non-hydrogenated palm kernel oil is a naturally solid or semi-solid fat extracted from the seed (kernel) of the oil palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis), distinct from palm mesocarp oil; it is highly saturated and is widely used in food manufacturing for its functional melting properties, shelf stability, and as a trans-fat-free alternative to partially hydrogenated oils in confections, coatings, shortenings, and processed foods.
Safety summary
Non-hydrogenated palm kernel oil contains no artificial trans fats, making it preferable to partially hydrogenated oils; however, it is very high in saturated fatty acids (predominantly lauric acid), and dietary guidance broadly recommends limiting saturated fat intake due to associations with elevated LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk. Refining of palm kernel oil at high temperatures can generate process contaminants — glycidyl fatty acid esters (GE) and 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) esters — which EFSA has identified as potential health concerns, particularly for young children and infants consuming formula containing refined palm-based oils. No specific Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) has been established for the oil itself, as it is a conventional food fat, though the TDI for 3-MCPD contaminants in refined palm oils was set at 2.5 μg/kg body weight per day by EFSA in 2018.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Health Canada (Canada) | Approved | Palm kernel oil must be declared by its specific common name in ingredient lists (cannot be hidden under generic 'vegetable oil'). Non-hydrogenated form is permitted; the qualifier 'hydrogenated' must be used on the label if the oil is hydrogenated.source |
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Palm kernel oil is permitted as a food ingredient in the EU. No blanket ban or restriction on non-hydrogenated palm kernel oil as a food ingredient; however, EFSA has assessed process contaminants (GE, 3-MCPD, 2-MCPD esters) generated during refining of palm-based oils at high temperatures as a health concern, especially for infants and young children. EU Commission has set maximum limits on GE and 3-MCPD esters in refined vegetable oils including palm kernel oil. The TDI for 3-MCPD was revised to 2 μg/kg bw/day in 2018.source |
| Food Standards Agency (FSA) / Food Standards Scotland (FSS) (United Kingdom) | Approved | Fully refined palm kernel oil is approved for use in food. FSA rapid risk assessment found no clinically confirmed allergic reactions to palm kernel oil in the UK population. Palm kernel oil must be named specifically on ingredient labels.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Part 184.1259 – Palm Kernel Oil. accessdata.fda.gov
- 2other. Rapid Risk Assessment: Allergen risks from substitution of sunflower oil with other vegetable oils – Food Standards Agency (FSA/FSS, UK). food.gov.uk
- 3FDA. Revocation of Uses of Partially Hydrogenated Oils in Foods – Final Rule, 2023. fda.gov
- 4EFSA. Revised safe intake for 3-MCPD in vegetable oils and food (2018 update), 2018. efsa.europa.eu
- 5EFSA. Risks for human health related to the presence of 3- and 2-monochloropropanediol (MCPD), and their fatty acid esters, and glycidyl fatty acid esters in food, 2016. efsa.europa.eu