Processors continue to make oil substitutions in wake of Ukraine war

The news comes after they previously advised consumers that some food products labelled as containing sunflower oil may instead contain refined rapeseed oil.

The move comes as the UK’s supply of sunflower oil​​ continues to be severely impacted by the conflict in Ukraine.  

It also revealed that fully refined palm oil, fully refined coconut oil and fully refined soyabean oil are being used in some products without changes to the label being made. 

Consumer safety

Geoff Ogle, chief executive of FSS, said:  “Consumer safety is our absolute priority. As such, we have jointly carried out a further, comprehensive risk assessment on an additional three refined oils that are being proposed as alternative substitutions for sunflower oil, supplies of which are being restricted by the conflict in Ukraine.​

“The risk assessment has shown that the immediate risk to those with a food allergy is very low or negligible, reactions to these fully refined oils are very rare and, if they do occur, are mild.” ​

He said that he was working closely with the industry to raise awareness among consumers of any potential changes to ingredients and are encouraging industry to consider using the healthier and more sustainable oils from this list if substituting their ingredients.

Potential allergens 

“Steps are also being taken ​to ensure that labelling is updated to reflect any changes to ingredients, and potential allergens, so that consumers have confidence in the products they are buying. If consumers are unsure of the content of any product or have concerns about substitution they should contact the manufacturer / brand for more information,”​ he added. 

Where substitute oils are used, FSS and the FSA expect businesses to inform consumers about any related product change, whether that product is purchased in store or online, using, for example, point of sale notices and information on their websites.