Seven rapsoles rattle through, but eleven are 'very good'
The magazine "Oeko-Test" examined 30 rapeseed oils - and found a banned pesticide. In a organic rapeseed oil! Another potentially carcinogenic substance was also detected in some oils. Contaminations with mineral oils were also discovered. However, there are also good news.
Rapeseed oil is a staple in many kitchens for good reasons: If the product is refined, it is perfect for frying and pan-frying, and it is also neutral in taste. Cold-pressed rapeseed oils, on the other hand, bring a nutty note to salad dressings.
Thirty rapeseed oils were examined by the magazine "Oeko-Test" (issue 8/2024), 16 of which were conventionally refined, and 14 were cold-pressed in organic quality.
Eleven oils received the grade "very good". However, seven products received the grades "insufficient" and "poor" for various reasons.
Remnants of a banned pesticide
The testers and testers described a deficiency as a big surprise: In a cold-pressed organic rapeseed oil, they discovered residues of the pesticide DDT, which has been banned in Germany for 52 years. The rapeseed in this case came from Romania, but DDT is also banned there. It is considered possibly carcinogenic and breaks down very slowly in the environment.
The manufacturer suspects that it may be an old contamination on "Oeko-Test" inquiry. However, according to the testers and testers, the proven DDT content does not pose a health risk.
Residues of other pesticides were also detected - in about half of the products. In three cases, it was the substance Deltamethrin, which is classified as possibly carcinogenic.
Other problems: Trans fats and mineral oil contaminants
Two refined rapeseed oils were criticized by "Oeko-Test" for a problem with trans fatty acids. They belong to the unsaturated fatty acids and increase the risk of heart-disease when consumed in large quantities. The two products meet the limit, but they exceed it by more than 50%. "Oeko-Test" finds this excessive.
Approximately two-thirds of the products are contaminated with mineral oil components, which results in a point deduction for ten products in the test. Contamination can occur during harvesting or pressing if rapeseed or oil comes into contact with mineral oils, according to "Oeko-Test".
Private labels among the test winners
Among the deficiencies, there are also good news: Among the refined test winners, five products can be found, which are among the cheapest in the entire test. They cost 1.39 Euro per liter.
In detail, these are: "Bellasan Pure Plant Oil from Rapeseed" (Aldi), "Frisan Pure Rapeseed Oil" (Norma), "Gut & Günstig Pure Rapeseed Oil" (Edeka), "Vegola Pure Rapeseed Oil refined" (Netto), and "Vita D'Or Pure Rapeseed Oil" (Lidl).
And even for "very good" cold-pressed variants, one does not have to spend a lot of money: All three test winners are available for 3.30 Euro per liter.
Consumers who are conscious about nutrition and eco-friendliness might be surprised to learn that residues of the banned pesticide DDT were found in a cold-pressed organic rapeseed oil, as tested by "Oeko-Test". To guide consumers towards safer choices, it's important to refer to the test results and opt for products that received high grades, such as those from private labels like Aldi and Lidl.
