A decision made thousands of kilometres from Malaysia – in the offices of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – could have profound consequences for the future of the palm oil industry.
The FDA has decided to ban partially hydrogenated vegetable oils by 2018, due to their worrying levels of trans fats content. Trans fats have been widely regarded by scientists as a major negative factor for health and well-being.
Palm oil does not contain trans fats. Its beneficial and adaptable composition means that it does not require partial hydrogenation. It can serve the same purpose in food manufacture, but without health negatives. It is therefore a natural and healthy replacement for liquid oils.