Chemical Poison in a Beautiful Bottle: Roskachestvo Names the Worst Brands of Vegetable Oil
Roskachestvo, a Russian consumer watchdog, has conducted a study of vegetable oils and found that some brands contain harmful chemicals.
The study, which was published in June 2023, tested 56 brands of sunflower, olive, and canola oil. The oils were tested for the presence of 12 harmful chemicals, including benzene, formaldehyde, and heavy metals.
Of the 56 brands tested, 12 were found to contain harmful chemicals. These brands included:
- Avanta
- Bunge
- Gastronome
- Idea
- Magor
- Prioli
- Prostokvashino
- Slodych
- Unilevka
The levels of harmful chemicals in these brands ranged from 0.001 mg/kg to 0.05 mg/kg. These levels are below the maximum allowable levels set by Russian health regulations, but they are still high enough to pose a health risk.
The presence of harmful chemicals in vegetable oil is a serious concern, as vegetable oil is a staple food in the Russian diet.
Vegetable oil is used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups to baked goods. Exposure to harmful chemicals in vegetable oil can increase the risk of cancer, developmental disorders, and other health problems.
Roskachestvo has advised consumers to avoid consuming vegetable oil from the brands listed above. The organization has also called on the Russian government to take action to improve the safety of vegetable oil in the country.
Roskachestvo's study is a reminder that consumers need to be aware of what they are eating.
Even foods that are considered to be healthy can contain harmful chemicals. Consumers should read food labels carefully and choose products from brands that they trust.
Consumers can also take steps to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals in vegetable oil by:
- Choosing organic vegetable oil
- Cooking with less oil
- Avoiding fried foods
By taking these steps, consumers can help to reduce their risk of exposure to harmful chemicals and improve their overall health.