Maize germ oil

Description

Maize germ oil is won by extraction of the seeds – mostly with help of a dissolvent and with subsequent refining. For the production of corn flour (also known as hominy) and grits, the maize has to be germinated. From the germ buds the maize germ oil is won.

Application

• Cooking oil
• Also see: vegetable oils, mayonnaise, margarine

Gene technology

Maize raw materials can partly consist of genetically modified plants.

• In some EU countries, genetically modified maize is sown on comparatively small areas and primarily is used as a feed and for the production of energy. In the case that GM maize assume greater significance in Europe, a range of foodstuffs may be affected.
• Moreover, the EU yearly imports about ten million tons of maize-derived raw material from the USA and Argentina, where GM maize is cultivated on a large-scale.

Labelling: Maize germ oil form GM maize is subject to a labelling requirement. Coincidental, technically unavoidable GMO admixtures in maize raw materials up to a part of 0.9 per cent, and the food produced thereof, are not subject to a labelling requirement.