About
Palmolein oil (palm olein) is the liquid fraction obtained by fractionating refined palm oil (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), separated through controlled crystallisation and filtration. It is widely used as a cooking, frying, and food-manufacturing oil due to its high smoke point, oxidative stability, and semi-liquid texture at ambient temperatures.
Safety summary
Palmolein is rich in saturated fatty acids (~44–46%), particularly palmitic acid, and some studies associate higher palm oil consumption with elevated LDL cholesterol and increased cardiovascular disease risk, though evidence remains contested. Refining at high temperatures generates process contaminants — glycidyl fatty acid esters (GE), 3-MCPD, and 2-MCPD — of which GE is regarded by EFSA as a genotoxic carcinogen warranting public-health concern, especially in infants consuming formula. No formal Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is established for palmolein oil itself as it is a whole food ingredient; tolerable daily intakes have been set for the contaminants GE and 3-MCPD (EFSA TDI: 0.8 µg/kg bw/day for 3-MCPD).
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Restricted | Palm oil and its fractions (including palmolein) are permitted edible oils, but EFSA's CONTAM Panel (2016) identified glycidyl fatty acid esters (GE), 3-MCPD, and 2-MCPD — formed during high-temperature refining — as health concerns. GE exposure in average consumers in all younger age groups is above low-concern thresholds. Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 (amended) sets maximum levels: GE ≤0.5 ppm in vegetable oils and fats destined for infant and young children's food; 3-MCPD ester limits set at 1.25–2.5 ppm depending on oil type. EFSA TDI for 3-MCPD: 0.8 µg/kg bw/day.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | FSSAI's FSS (Advertising and Claims) First Amendment Regulations, 2020 introduced official nutrient function claims for palmolein oil; food business operators required to comply from 1 July 2021.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Palm oil and its fractions (including palm olein) are affirmed as GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1021 for use as a direct food ingredient in foods generally, subject to GMP. No specific maximum intake level established.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations — Chapter 2.2: Oils and Fats, 2023. fssai.gov.in
- 2FSSAI. FSSAI Notifies Norms on Nutritional Claims for Edible Vegetable Oils Including Palmolein, 2020. fssai.gov.in
- 3PubMed. Palm Oil on the Edge, 2019. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4PubMed. The palm oil industry and noncommunicable diseases, 2019. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5PubMed. Intake of Palm Olein and Lipid Status in Healthy Adults: A Meta-Analysis, 2019. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6PubMed. Systematic review of palm oil consumption and the risk of cardiovascular disease, 2018. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
