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Rapeseed oil being tested

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Oct 12, 2026 - Foods

Rapeseed oil being tested

Rapeseed oil being tested

In the October 2026 issue, Stiftung Warentest examined 24 commercially available rapeseed oils, including refined and cold-pressed products as well as two rapeseed oil preparations with butter flavor. The results are predominantly positive: 22 products overall received good quality ratings. In particular, the contaminant tests produced unremarkable results.

As part of the test, Stiftung Warentest had the oils analyzed for pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), plasticizers and mineral oil hydrocarbons.

No product was found to contain critical levels of pesticides, plasticizers or mineral oil hydrocarbons. Analyses of the refined oils for 3‑MCPD and glycidyl esters as well as for the solvents used, hexane and methyl ethyl ketone, also showed no conspicuous levels. Overall, Stiftung Warentest rated 17 oils as "good" and seven as "satisfactory" in the contaminant assessment.

Another focus was on chemical quality. For this, Stiftung Warentest had, among other things, the fatty acid profile as well as the acid and peroxide values analyzed, which provide indications of the oil's freshness. Possible adulteration by blending in other oils was also examined; no such irregularities were detected. The erucic acid analysis likewise showed low values: all tested products were well below the applicable EU maximum level of two percent.[2] The measured amounts were at most 0.5 percent.

The results show that both refined and cold-pressed rapeseed oils are predominantly of high quality. The examinations, particularly with regard to the contaminants tested and the erucic acid contents, give consumers no reason for fundamental concern.

Would you also like to have rapeseed oils tested for contaminants?

In our Tentamus laboratories we regularly carry out these examinations. We provide fast and reliable results.

Our customer advisors will be happy to assist you with any questions.

 

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