Why mustard oil is banned in some countries including the US?
Mustard oil is banned in some western countries including the US.
Mustard oil is a staple in Indian kitchens, cherished for its unique flavor, pungent aroma, and taste. This nutrient-rich oil offers numerous health benefits, yet it is banned in some western countries including the United States, Canada, and many parts of Europe. Read on to understand why.
Popularity and Health Benefits
Mustard seeds are one of the most valuable sources of oil, considered among the healthiest options available. Known for its versatility, strong flavor, and pungent aroma, mustard oil enhances the taste of various dishes. Apart from being a staple in India, it is widely used for cooking in neighboring countries like Pakistan and Thailand. Its numerous health benefits have made it a popular choice.
Ban in Western Countries
Despite its popularity in South Asia, countries such as the USA, Canada, and many in Europe have banned the use of mustard oil for human consumption. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) points to the high levels of erucic acid found in mustard oil as the primary reason for this ban. Erucic acid, a type of fatty acid, is considered harmful to health.
Health Concerns
The FDA asserts that mustard seed oil is not metabolized properly by the human body and can damage brain cells. Erucic acid is linked to mental disorders, including memory impairment, and contributes to increased fat accumulation in the body.
Toxic Compounds in Mustard Oil
Research from the 1950s revealed that the sharp flavors and intense aromas of mustard and rapeseed oils come from compounds like erucic acid and glucosinolates, common in the mustard family. When mustard seeds are ground or crushed, these compounds are released as a natural defense against pests. Animal studies have indicated that high concentrations of erucic acid can cause heart conditions in mice. Although the effects on humans have not been thoroughly studied, regulatory agencies have targeted mustard seed oil, which contains up to 46 percent erucic acid by weight.
Moreover, mustard oil contains allyl isothiocyanate, responsible for its intense flavor and aroma, which can cause skin and respiratory irritations. While this alone may not have led to the ban, it contributes to overall safety concerns.
However people in India and the Indian sub-continent have been using mustard oil in their kitchens for hundreds of years across many generations without encountering any significant health issues that can be traced back to the consumption of mustard oil.
Benefits of Mustard Oil
Despite the bans in some countries, mustard oil offers several benefits:
- Blocks Microbial Growth: Studies indicate that mustard essential oil has powerful antimicrobial properties, helping block the growth of harmful bacteria. One test-tube study found that white mustard essential oil decreased the growth of several bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus.
- Promotes Skin and Hair Health: Pure mustard oil is often applied topically to enhance skin and hair health. It is used in homemade face masks and hair treatments and can be mixed with wax to heal cracked heels.
- Alleviates Pain: Mustard oil is rich in allyl isothiocyanate, which has been studied for its effect on pain receptors. Animal studies have found that administering mustard oil to the drinking water of mice desensitized certain pain receptors and helped treat widespread pain.
In summary, while mustard oil is celebrated for its culinary and health benefits in many parts of the world, concerns over its high erucic acid content and other potential health risks have led to its ban in several Western countries.
