Vegetable oil

Definition

Vegetable oil is a packaging term used to indicate that plant-based oils are used without specifying which exact crop. Typical sources under this umbrella term are soybean, corn, canola, cottonseed, sunflower, and safflower.

Health considerations

Individual vegetable oils have unique health properties associated with them. Vegetable oils not designated as high-oleic are typically high in polyunsaturated fat, especially omega 6s. See: polyunsaturated fats, omega-6 fatty acids

Keep in mind

Lack of specification can make it difficult to recognize allergens, though disclaimers of “May contain” or labelling of top allergens is required.

References

CHOW.com