The Lab
Specimen No. 0223
CautionDerivedfood oils

Palm Oil (refined)

palm oil · RBD palm oil · refined palm oil

Refined (RBD) tropical oil. The safety concern is not the oil itself but the process contaminants — 3-MCPD and glycidyl fatty-acid esters — formed during high-temperature refining, which are highest in palm oil.

medium confidence
Researched July 7, 2026

Concerns

  • EFSA found glycidyl fatty-acid esters (which release glycidol, an IARC Group 2A genotoxic carcinogen) at the highest levels in palm oil/fat among refined vegetable oils (EFSA 2016)
  • The same refining also generates 3-MCPD, linked to kidney and male-reproductive effects; EFSA's 2018 update set a tolerable daily intake of 2.0 ug/kg bw for 3-MCPD (EFSA 2018)

Regulatory flags

  • IARC Class: glycidol Gr2A / 3-MCPD Gr2B (refining contaminants)
  • EDC Status: None
  • Regulatory: US: permitted; EU: glycidyl-ester & 3-MCPD-ester limits (esp. infant formula)
  • Evidence Grade: B

Commonly found in

Processed foodsBiscuitsChocolate spreadMargarineInfant formula

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

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