Cotton Seed Soybean

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 potential toxins like gossypol, making it safe for consumption.

Cottonseed oil is a neutral-flavored cooking oil used in a variety of food products. Manufacturers often use it for frying, baking, and in salad dressings due to its stability and relatively low cost. It can be found in baked goods, snack foods, and processed meats.

Cottonseed oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food use. It is primarily composed of unsaturated fats, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are considered healthier fat choices. However, it also contains saturated fat. The FDA has not set a specific upper intake limit for cottonseed oil. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated vegetable oils, but no specific evaluations for cottonseed oil are widely cited in the context of setting intake limits.