Palmolein Oil | whatsinit

About

What it is and where it shows up.

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

The regulatory and scientific consensus.

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

What food-safety regulators have decided.

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

Whose guidance would steer them away.

Infants — EFSA found that GE exposure in infants consuming solely palm olein-containing infant formula can be up to ten times above the threshold of low public health concern, making it a particular risk group.

Children — EFSA and JECFA both concluded that younger age groups have the highest relative exposure to process contaminants (GE, 3-MCPD) from refined palm oils, raising potential health concerns even at average consumption levels.

Heart Disease — Palmolein's high saturated fatty acid content (~44–46%), particularly palmitic acid, has been associated in some systematic reviews with raised LDL cholesterol and increased ischaemic heart disease mortality risk; individuals with existing heart disease should monitor intake.

Hypertension — High saturated fat diets, including those rich in palmitic acid from palmolein, are associated with adverse lipid profiles that can compound cardiovascular and hypertension-related risks in susceptible individuals.

Pregnancy — Process contaminants (GE, 3-MCPD) found in refined palmolein are a concern for vulnerable populations; pregnant women are advised to moderate intake and consult a healthcare provider, as independent safety data for this group is limited.

Research citations

The sources behind this verdict.

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

Independently researched9 citations