Are Europeans up to no good again? Have they really gone and banned canola oil? In this article, we will explore the widely circulated rumor that the EU banned canola oil. After reading this article, you will impress your friends with your expertise on all things canola oil and EU import laws.
Why is canola oil banned in Europe? Canola oil is not banned in Europe. It is sold in all EU countries under the name rapeseed oil. However, canola oil from Canada which is made from genetically modified organism (GMO) crops has been banned in the EU, as have nearly all GMOs.
Not only is canola oil not banned in Europe, but the European Union (EU) was the world leader in rapeseed production in 2017 (22 million tons). The issue with canola oil is certain brands particularly from Canada produce the oil from genetically modified crops. GMOs are almost completely banned in the EU and that includes canola oil made from GMO crops.
What Is Canola Oil?
Canola oil is a type of vegetable oil made from the canola plant. It is one of the most common vegetable oils in the world and is primarily used as a cooking oil. Canola oil is used when sauteing, stir-frying, grilling, and baking.
Canada is the largest producer of canola oil, producing 4.2 million tonnes every year. Canada is the reason for the rumor that canola oil was banned in Europe because most of the canola oil produced in Canada is from genetically modified crops. The European Union has not approved GMO canola oil for consumption, and therefore GMO canola oil remains banned.
Which Oil Is Banned in Europe?
Europe has banned canola oil which is made from genetically modified canola crops. However, Europeans can still buy canola oil made from non-GMO canola. In Europe, this oil is sold under the name rapeseed oil.
It is slightly confusing. Canola oil is the name used in North America for oil made from the canola plant. Canada is one of the biggest producers of canola oil in the world, but nearly all of the canola crops used in Canada are GMOs.
The EU is very strict when it comes to GMOs and has banned all canola oil made from GMOs. This is why many people are convinced that canola oil is banned in Europe, but this is not the case.
Europeans can still enjoy non-GMO canola oil, which is sold under the name rapeseed oil. Rapeseed oil is exactly the same as canola oil, but it is made from non-genetically modified canola plants.
Why Is Canola Oil Banned in the UK?
Canola oil is not banned in the UK. The cooking oil is sold under the name rapeseed oil. However, canola oil made from genetically modified canola plants is banned in the UK.
When the UK was a part of the EU, they followed the same rules when it came to GMOs. This resulted in canola oil from Canada, which is genetically modified, being banned. However, this didn’t stop Brits from enjoying non-GM EU-produced canola oil, which was sold under the name rapeseed oil.
Genetically modified canola oil might not be banned in the UK for long. Thanks to Brexit, UK politicians are drafting legislation that would allow a wide range of GMO foods to be grown and sold in the UK. If this legislation is passed, Brits can enjoy a big drizzle of genetically modified canola oil on their frying pans!
Is Canola Oil Toxic?
Canola oil is not toxic or unhealthy. Canola oil is perfectly safe to consume and has even been shown to reduce blood LDL cholesterol levels and heart disease risk. Canola oil is considered healthy since it is high in monounsaturated fat and low in saturated fat (63 and 7%, respectively). Canola oil also contains significant amounts of phytosterols (about 0.9% by weight) that reduce the absorption of cholesterol into the body.
People were originally concerned about canola oil because they were worried about consuming trans fats. But that worry was unfounded because canola oil is, in fact, very low in trans fats.
What Are The Best Substitutes For Canola Oil?
Olive oil is a great substitute for canola oil. It is also great for your heart and adds a lovely flavor to your food. Olive oil is amazing in salad dressings and is good for coating frying pans, but sunflower oil is a better choice for deep frying.
If you do not want to add any olive flavor to your meals then switch out canola oil for sunflower oil. However, if you are looking for the healthiest substitute for canola oil, then we recommend olive oil. Olive oil is great for your heart and has been shown to increase healthy cholesterol while decreasing unhealthy cholesterol.
Final Thoughts
So it was just one big rumor! Canola oil is not banned in Europe. Only genetically modified canola oil is banned in Europe. You can easily swing by your local European supermarket and pick up a big bottle of non-GMO canola oil, it is typically sold under the name rapeseed oil. However, instead of buying canola or rapeseed oil, we recommend sticking to olive oil as it is healthier!
