The aim of the focus action was to gain an overview of the content of erucic acid in mustard oils. Erucic acid, a long-chain monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, occurs in vegetable oils and fats and is a natural component of plant seeds of the Brassicaceae family (cruciferous plants such as rapeseed and mustard). High levels of erucic acid in foods can be detrimental to health.
19 samples from all over Austria were tested, four samples were objected to:
- The maximum level of erucic acid for mustard oils was exceeded