New seed free oil certification and brands launched in USA
The Seed Oil Free Alliance has launched a new certification scheme in the USA as part of a wider anti-seed oil backlash and US Health and Human Service Secretary Robert Kennedy’s Jr criticism of them.
A recent nationwide survey had found that 28% of Americans actively avoided refined seed oils and many companies were looking for ways to eliminate them from their products and supply chain to meet surging national demand, the alliance said on 6 May.
This is despite around a third of Americans thinking there is not enough evidence to support negative claims about seed oils and the American Health Association saying there is no reason to avoid them, according to a 19 May Green Queen report.
Seed oils include canola, corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, rice bran, safflower, soyabean and sunflower oils.
The Seed Oil Free Alliance said more than 40 brands displaying its ‘Seed Oil Free Certified Seal’ had reached strict quality standards to formulate their products without using seed oils, including sourcing fats and oils that met stringent purity protocols, auditing for hidden seed oils in compound ingredients and adhering to detailed verification procedures.
Certified brands included Vita Coco plant-based coconut milk, Daily Crunch nut snacks and Zero Acre Farms cooking oil.
The alliance also recently launched a new product finder webpage to help consumers search for Seed Oil Free Certified products, restaurants and wholesalers across a range of categories, including:
- Olive oil, avocado oil and cooking oils
- Plant-based milks
- Cookies, crackers, and chips
- Hummus and dips
- Chicken nuggets and prepared meats
- Nut mixes and nut butters
- Protein and collagen bars
- Ice cream and frozen desserts
- Skincare products
- Restaurant meals and foodservice items
All foods bearing the ‘Seed Oil Free Certified’ seal had to undergo laboratory testing to confirm they were free from all seed oils including soyabean, corn and canola oils, the organisation said.
Permitted oils and refined fats include olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, butter and other refined animal fats. Consumer-packaged goods, companies and restaurants that achieve certification can license the seal for display on product packages, menus and marketing materials.
