Do vegetable oils pose a risk for people with allergies?
The most common oils used in the UK are derived from rapeseed, sunflower seed, soya, maize, palm, coconut and palm kernel. Where they appear in pre-packed food, these oils will have been refined and it is believed that this process removes any detectable traces of proteins. It is the protein which is believed to cause allergic reactions. Although it is impossible to be 100 per cent certain, it is highly unlikely that these oils – where they have been refined – will cause allergic reactions. However, to be absolutely certain about this, research would have to be undertaken on each oil. Some speciality oils (e.g. sesame, hazelnut and walnut) contain unrefined oil and do present a risk.
