Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is a vegetable oil made from peanuts. It is typically extracted from shelled and roasted peanuts through pressing or using solvents. The oil is then refined, bleached, and deodorized for culinary use.

Peanut oil is widely used in cooking and food manufacturing due to its high smoke point and mild flavor. It is often found in fried foods, baked goods, and dressings, contributing to texture and taste. Manufacturers use it in products like popcorn, snack bars, and cookies.

Peanut oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is primarily composed of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Highly refined peanut oil is generally not considered an allergen by the FDA, as the refining process removes most allergenic proteins. However, cold-pressed or unrefined peanut oil may still contain sufficient protein to cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. JECFA and EFSA typically evaluate food additives, and peanut oil, as a common food ingredient, is not usually subject to their additive evaluations.