The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has updated its guidance on which oils may be used as a substitute for sunflower oil, in light of the continuing supply issues caused by the conflict in Ukraine.
The FSA previously advised that fully refined rapeseed oil, fully refined palm oil, fully refined coconut oil and fully refined soybean oil could be used as a substitute. The FSA has now added fully refined corn (maize) oil to this list.
These oils can replace sunflower oil as a temporary measure. Businesses have been asked to inform consumers using posters and website information if they have not had time to update ingredients labels.
All the substitute oils are fully refined. In most cases it is the protein in a food item that will cause an allergic reaction, and the process of refining and oil removes this protein. For more information on vegetable oils, see our knowledgebase article. If you have any concerns about the new guidance, please call our helpline on 01252 542029.
To see the full guidance from the FSA, click here.
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