Palm Oil is not only detrimental to our health but are also responsible for the loss of animal habitat
“A negative side-effect of palm oil production – apart from its impact on people’s health due to the high level of saturated fat – is that the palm oil business is a key driver of deforestation in countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia.” source https://www.indonesia-investments.com/business/commodities/palm-oil/item166
Over 50% of supermarket products contain palm oil or palm oil derivatives.
Habitat loss allows easier access for illegal wildlife poachers to reach orangutans, slow loris, pangolins, tigers and many other wildlife listed as endangered. It also encourages that same wildlife to come closer to villages for food as their food source has disappeared and this causes human / wildlife conflict as many are killed in these situations. Therefore, it is imperative that we know the importance of buying palm oil free.
There are also many health conditions which require one to avoid palm oil (and other fatty acids).
Did you know that palm oil fatty acids (and other fatty acids) are dangerous for the 1 in 20,000 people who live with MCADD (Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency) a condition that involves a defect in the catabolism of medium-chain fatty acids, meaning they need to avoid any product containing palm oil and other oils and fats consisting of medium-chain fatty acids. source http://www.idph.state.il.us/HealthWellness/fs/mcad.htm
It is also dangerous for the 1 in 5,000 people who live with any of the fatty acid metabolism disorders (a broad classification for genetic disorders that result from an inability of the body to produce or utilize one enzyme that is required to oxidize fatty acids) or Lipid metabolism disorders (illnesses where trouble occurs in breaking down or synthesizing fats).
What can you do?
Maybe you wish to avoid palm oil for dietary, allergy or ethical reasons, maybe you want to reduce your palm oil use or go palm free, why wouldn’t you? The International Palm Oil Free Certification Trademark (POFCAP) is an independent, not for profit Palm Oil Free Certification Trademark Programme approved to certify products and brands in 20 countries with applications pending in more. Each product or company displaying the POFCAP International Palm Oil Free Certification Trademark has been thoroughly assessed and certified palm oil free. See which products have been Certified Palm Oil Free.
POFCAP also have a shortened list of potential ingredients which are usually or can be palm oil derived for the consumer who likes to do their own detective work. This Certification trademark is relatively new in the timeline of certification trademarks but is starting to assess and certify more and more products so look out for this trademark when buying food or non-food products.
