And Cottonseed Oils

Cottonseed oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of cotton plants. After the cotton fibers are removed, the seeds are cleaned, crushed, and the oil is extracted. The crude oil is then refined to remove impurities and improve its flavor and color.

Cottonseed oil is used as a cooking oil and as an ingredient in a variety of processed foods. It is often chosen for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for frying. It can also be found in baked goods, salad dressings, and snack foods.

Cottonseed oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It contains both saturated and unsaturated fats. Some older concerns about gossypol, a natural toxin in raw cottonseed, have been addressed through refining processes that remove it. JECFA has evaluated cottonseed oil and established an acceptable daily intake.