Were a coffee and nut company… and while coffee doesnt require as much regulation when it comes to allergens, the nut side of out business calls for necessary attention to detail. Most of the questions we receive about our products are concerns about how we roast our nuts in peanut oil. We hear you! So lets take a deep dive into allergens today and hopefully you can walk away knowing were doing our best to keep you safe.
The FDAs “big 9” allergies refer to the most common food allergens that must be clearly labeled on packaged food products sold in the United States. We use almost all of these in our products- excluding fish. These allergens account for the majority of food allergy reactions people experience. The “big 9” allergies recognized by the FDA are:
At Ferris, we understand the importance of handling and securing allergens throughout our facility, which is why we take great measures to control and manage those ingredients. Utilizing practices such as color-coding and equipment sanitation, we are audited annually to ensure were maintaining proper procedures to keep us (and you) safe.
Peanut allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in peanuts as harmful substances. For some individuals, even trace amounts of peanut proteins can trigger allergic reactions, ranging from mild symptoms like hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
At Ferris, were very aware of this concern. Working within the nut and allergen industry has made us experts on this. Our internal Quality Team is hard at work every day constantly testing for safety throughout our manufacturing. Within our facility, we control these allergens with proper color coding and labeling. Sanitation procedures are in place to address the prevention of allergen-to-allergen cross contact and allergen to non-allergen cross contact. For example, each individual piece of equipment has its own sanitation work instructions and verification procedures are addressed via standard operating procedures.
Gourmet peanut oils are made by roasting peanuts before oil extraction. This gives the oil a stronger, nuttier flavor.
Because it is processed, experts agree this type of peanut oil is usually safe for people with peanut allergies. However, people with peanut allergies should ask a doctor about whether or not they should avoid peanut oil.
A 2016 systematic review of 102 clinical trials found that replacing just 5% of a person’s saturated fat intake with polyunsaturated fats led to a significant reduction in blood sugar levels. Peanut oil is a good source of polyunsaturated fats and is relatively low in saturated fat.
Although this does not make peanut oil inherently unhealthy, it is something to be aware of.
Additionally, the polyunsaturated fats in peanut oil make it susceptible to oxidation. This can cause an unpleasant aroma, loss of flavor, and decreased shelf life.
Refining Process and Allergen Removal
Highly refined peanut oil undergoes an extensive manufacturing process that effectively removes the proteins responsible for triggering peanut allergies. The refining process typically involves mechanical and chemical processes such as pressing, filtering, and purification, which help eliminate impurities and allergenic components.
The allergenic proteins present in peanuts are typically found in the solid portion of the peanut, known as the protein fraction. During the refining process, this protein fraction is separated and removed from the oil. This extraction method significantly reduces the presence of allergenic proteins, ensuring that the final product contains minimal traces, if any at all.
Heat and pressure play crucial roles in the refining process of peanut oil. These factors help break down and denature the proteins, rendering them inactive and less likely to cause an allergic reaction. The high temperatures used during refining effectively destroy the structural integrity of the allergenic proteins, making them non-allergenic.
Which Cooking Oils are Safe? (Which to AVOID)
Is peanut oil bad for You?
The high amount of omega-6 fats that peanut oil contains may not be a good thing. These fats tend to cause inflammation and have been linked to various health problems. The considerable amount of monounsaturated fat found in this oil makes it a go-to for frying and other methods of high-heat cooking.
Is the peanut butter bad if the oil goes to the top?
Natural peanut butter is made 100 percent of peanuts; this makes it very likely that the oil will float to the top at room temperature, which is perfectly normal. On the contrary, some peanut butters contain additives, stabilizers or hydrogenated vegetable oils, that keep the peanut solids and oils together. So, the oil on top is actually a sign that you bought a high-quality peanut butter.
What happens if you eat Unrefined peanut oil?
The unrefined peanut oil (which may taste like peanuts), or accidental exposure to peanuts in a dish can cause any symptoms of allergic reaction, which may be mild or severe. These symptoms include rash, itchy sensation, swelling, sore throat, cough, congestion, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain or vomiting.
Is fried peanut oil bad for You?
Moral of the story: Peanut oil can be a part of a healthy diet, but it shouldn’t be your main source of fat. Fried foods, no matter if they’re fried in peanut oil, lard, or another vegetable oil, should be limited in order to reduce disease risk and promote overall health.