Is it safe to buy sunflower oil from other countries?
Purchasing crude sunflower oil (or seed) from certain countries involves the risk of PAHs (polyaromatic hydrocarbons) contamination, originated from direct fuel gas drying of the seeds or from environmental pollution. PAHs (like benzo-a-pyrene) are carcinogenic and should be removed during refining.
How to refine sunflower oil?
Physical refining of sunflower oil is discussed in details. Recent developments in the field of processes, equipment and control have made it possible to refine by physical way the high phosphatide containing seed oils as well.
Why is crude sunflower oil difficult to refine?
Crude sunflower oil which has reached a certain level of oxidation, is difficult to refine. There are two main difficulties: – removal of non-hydratable phospholipids/iron; – and sometimes when the autooxidation has really gone too far fix colour formation, which is not removable by bleaching and/or heat bleaching.
What are the advantages of Refining sunflower oil?
This process is more economical (improved yield, lower investment cost, less chemicals used) environmental friendly process (no soapstock to be treated, splitted) but more sensitive to the crude oil quality. Physical refining of sunflower oil is discussed in details.