Common Vegetable Oil
Palm oil is an increasingly popular source of vegetable oil, and is used in a wide range of products from food to cosmetics. It is a versatile and cost effective ingredient, although it can be controversial due to environmental concerns. Palm oil comes from the fruit and seeds of the African oil palm tree, Elaeis guineensis.
Not a Tree Nut Allergen
Despite its use in many products, palm oil is generally not considered an allergen, or even a tree nut. Tree nut allergens are proteins found in the family of trees called Anacardiaceae, which include the cashew, Brazil nut, pistachio and almond. Palm oil does not contain proteins from this family, so it is not a tree nut allergen.
Allergy to Palm Oil
It is possible to have an allergy to palm oil, though this is rare. An allergy to palm oil is usually due to the contaminants it can absorb from the environment during its production and processing, such as dust, pollens or moulds. An allergic reaction may present as itching, swelling, rashes or breathing difficulties. However, it should be noted that this type of reaction is very uncommon.
Potential Cross Reactions
Although palm oil does not contain tree nut proteins, it can be important for people who have tree nut allergies to watch out for potential cross reactions. Cross reactions can occur due to the similarity in proteins from different food sources, and this can be an issue for tree nut allergy sufferers. For example, the protein found in kiwi fruit is similar to the proteins found in some tree nuts, so contact with kiwi can cause a reaction in people with a tree nut allergy.
Cautious Approach to Palm Oil
Despite not technically being a tree nut, people with tree nut allergies may still need to take precautions when it comes to palm oil. It is important for them to be aware of potential cross reactions, as well as any contaminants that may cause a reaction. If a person is unsure about the safety of a product containing palm oil, it is best to speak to an allergist or doctor to get professional advice.
Importance of Labeling
Because of the potential for allergies, accurate labeling is an important part of avoiding any potential harm. In the EU, all pre-packed or loose foods containing palm oil must be clearly labeled as such, including on the ingredients list. This allows consumers to make an informed decision about whether the product is safe for them or not.
Consumer Demand
In response to concerns over the potential impact on the environment, consumer pressure has increased for more sustainable sources of palm oil. As more people become aware of the issues surrounding palm oil production and its potential environmental impact, the demand for more sustainable alternatives is likely to increase.
Alternatives to Palm Oil
It is possible to find sustainable and ethically produced palm oil, and companies such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil are helping to make this a reality. Other alternatives to palm oil include coconut oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil and olive oil, all of which are not tree nut allergens.
Risk for Nut Allergy Sufferers
For people with tree nut allergies, it is important to be aware of the potential risks posed by palm oil. Although it is not a tree nut, it can still be a cause of cross reactions and potential allergies due to its contaminants. The best approach is to stick to products that list their ingredients clearly, and avoid products which may not be safe.
Environmental Impact
Palm oil is an incredibly versatile and cost effective ingredient, however the production of this oil can have a significant environmental impact. Deforestation, air pollution, water pollution and loss of habitat for wildlife are all potential risks of unsustainable palm oil production. Consumers should be mindful of the environmental impact of palm oil and where possible, opt for sustainable and ethically produced alternatives to reduce their own carbon footprint.
Regulations
Governments and regulatory bodies are taking active measures to address the environmental and safety concerns raised by palm oil production. In the EU, the REACH (Registration Evaluation Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations are in place to protect both the environment and the public from the impacts of hazardous and polluting chemicals. Similarly, the UK has a palm oil policy in place which requires companies to have a comprehensive and transparent palm oil sourcing policy.
Economic Impact
The rising demand for sustainable palm oil has led to an increase in the price of this commodity, as companies focus on sourcing ethical and sustainable options. This has been a major challenge to companies who rely on palm oil as a key ingredient, as they are likely to face higher costs. In the long-term, this could lead to an increase in the price of products containing palm oil and higher prices for consumers.
Consumer Confidence
Determining whether Palm Oil is suitable for consumption for people with tree nut allergies is an important factor for consumer confidence. Accurate labeling and clear communications about the sustainability and safety of palm oil is essential to ensuring consumers feel confident about the products they are purchasing.
