Glazing Agent: Vegetable Oil
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What it is
Vegetable oil is a fat extracted from plants, such as seeds, fruits, or nuts. It is typically made by pressing or using solvents to separate the oil from the plant material, often followed by refining to purify it.
Why it's used
When used as a glazing agent, vegetable oil creates a shiny, protective coating on foods. This helps prevent items like candies and baked goods from sticking together and can improve their visual appeal.
Health notes
Vegetable oils are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for their intended uses in food. The specific health effects depend on the type of oil, but in the small amounts used as a glazing agent, they are not typically a concern. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated various specific vegetable oils, but not 'vegetable oil' as a generic glazing agent.
Allergen info
Vegetable oils can be derived from major allergens like soy or sesame. However, many common vegetable oils used in food are not considered major allergens.