<BODY>
<BR>Home,Anses,News,Press room,Agenda,Our topics,Food,Animal health and nutrition,Environmental health,Occupational health,Plants,Opinions and publications,Last opinions and reports,Food opinions and reports,Animal health and nutrition opinions and reports,Environmental and occupational health opinions and reports,Plants opinions,Opinions and reports in English,Bulletins and periodicals,Other publications,Subscribe to Anses newsletter,Research and reference,Research program,Laboratories and reference activities, + ,Job opportunities,Public procurement contracts,Our websites,Partners,Extranet / ExpertNet,Kid's area,Legal notice,Contact, ,<BR>Can virgin flaxseed oil be consumed with no risk? Yes, as long as manufacturers and consumers comply with certain precautionary measures.<BR><BR>Flaxseed oil is of interest nutritionally as it is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, the precursor of the fatty acids in the omega-3 family. However, this oil has a major disadvantage: its capacity for auto-oxidation, a chemical phenomenon that alters its stability and, as a result, its nutritional and sensory qualities. Although commonly used in European Union countries, it is still not on sale in France. In 2006, AFSSA issued a favourable opinion for its use cold (for seasoning) and mixed with other oils and recommended assessment prior to the use of virgin flaxseed oil, in order to guarantee the conditions of stability. In a second opinion issued in March 2009, AFSSA considered that the sale of virgin flaxseed oil should be accompanied by a known set of conditions governing its production, storage and consumption in order to limit the health risks relating to oxidation of the product. These conditions concern, in particular, traceability of the batches of oil, packaging (opaque material and limited to 250 ml), shelf life (limited to 9 months) and conditions of cold use. Finally, AFSSA recommended that the consumer be informed by special indications on the label, such as: "use only for seasoning; do not heat; store in a cool place before opening; refrigerate after opening". Regarding children, in the absence of any studies on the nutritional interest and safety of the consumption of flaxseed oil by this age group, the Agency reiterates its previous recommendations, namely: do not use flaxseed oil in the food of children under the age of 3 years and provide for this to be mentioned on the label.<BR><BR><BR><BR>Find out more<BR><BR>>Opinion of 31 March 2009 relating to a request to assess the risks related to the regular consumption of virgin flaxseed oil<BR>Virgin flaxseed oil, AFSSA's recommendations for the protection of consumers<BR>2 July 2009<BR>News<BR>Highlighted news,Archives,-,Archives of AFSSET news,Archives of AFSSA news,<A HREF='PM910005I0.htm'>Infos on News</A>
<A HREF='PM910005I0.htm'> Anses</A>
<A HREF='PM910005I0.htm'>View alimentation</A>
<A HREF='PM910005I0.htm'> environnement</A>
<A HREF='PM910005I0.htm'>Infos on travail</A>
<A HREF='PM910005I0.htm'>See securite sanitaire</A>
<A HREF='PM910005I0.htm'>See securite aliments</A>
<A HREF='PM910005I0.htm'> securite sanitaire aliments</A>
<A HREF='PM910005I0.htm'> alimentation animale</A>
<A HREF='PM910005I0.htm'>More infos on expertise Influenza aviaire</A>
</BODY>
Can virgin flaxseed oil be consumed with no risk? Yes, as long as manufacturers and consumers comply with certain precautionary measures.
Flaxseed oil is of interest nutritionally as it is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, the precursor of the fatty acids in the omega-3 family. However, this oil has a major disadvantage: its capacity for auto-oxidation, a chemical phenomenon that alters its stability and, as a result, its nutritional and sensory qualities. Although commonly used in European Union countries, it is still not on sale in France. In 2006, AFSSA issued a favourable opinion for its use cold (for seasoning) and mixed with other oils and recommended assessment prior to the use of virgin flaxseed oil, in order to guarantee the conditions of stability. In a second opinion issued in March 2009, AFSSA considered that the sale of virgin flaxseed oil should be accompanied by a known set of conditions governing its production, storage and consumption in order to limit the health risks relating to oxidation of the product. These conditions concern, in particular, traceability of the batches of oil, packaging (opaque material and limited to 250 ml), shelf life (limited to 9 months) and conditions of cold use. Finally, AFSSA recommended that the consumer be informed by special indications on the label, such as: "use only for seasoning; do not heat; store in a cool place before opening; refrigerate after opening". Regarding children, in the absence of any studies on the nutritional interest and safety of the consumption of flaxseed oil by this age group, the Agency reiterates its previous recommendations, namely: do not use flaxseed oil in the food of children under the age of 3 years and provide for this to be mentioned on the label.
Find out more >Opinion of 31 March 2009 relating to a request to assess the risks related to the regular consumption of virgin flaxseed oil
Virgin flaxseed oil, AFSSA's recommendations for the protection of consumers 2 July 2009
Anses
Opinions and publications