Modified Oil
WHY WE MUST LABEL OUR COCONUT OIL AS ‘MODIFIED.’
Due to CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) regulations, we are required to label our coconut oil as "modified coconut oil." This is because our product’s sterol profile falls outside the parameters set by the Codex Standard. While our coconut oil meets all other quality specifications and is safe for consumption, the sterol content slightly deviates from the Codex guidelines. In accordance with CFIA law, products that do not fully comply with Codex standards must be labeled accordingly. Despite this, we maintain a high-quality product that meets all other safety and quality requirements, ensuring our customers receive a safe and effective coconut oil.
Our coconut oil products are produced in full accordance with the International Coconut Standard (ICS), which we follow as the primary benchmark for quality and consistency. We meet all the necessary specifications outlined by the ICS, ensuring that our coconut oil adheres to key quality parameters, including moisture content, free fatty acid levels, and other chemical and physical properties.
However, we do not fully comply with the Codex Standard due to the sterol profile of our coconut oil being outside the parameters specified in the Codex guidelines. The sterol content, while still within a safe and acceptable range for consumption, may differ slightly from the Codex requirements. These deviations are due to natural variations that occur during the production process, particularly in the way we process and refine our coconut oil.
Why We Follow ICS:
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ICS Compliance: We adhere to the ICS because it provides a suitable framework for our production processes and meets the expectations of the coconut oil industry in the Asia-Pacific region. This standard allows us to deliver a high-quality product that meets the needs of our regional markets.
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Sterol Profile: While sterol levels are important, the slight variation in our sterol profile does not affect the quality, safety, or functionality of the coconut oil. Our product is still safe for consumption and performs effectively in its intended uses.
Conclusion:
Although we do not align with the sterol specifications in Codex Standard, we are committed to meeting all other quality criteria and continue to follow the ICS as our primary standard for production. We believe this approach ensures that we maintain high-quality products while remaining true to our brand's commitment to the coconut oil industry, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region.
International Coconut Standard (ICS) vs Codex Standard
The International Coconut Standard (ICS) and Codex Standard for coconut oil both provide guidelines for the quality and safety of coconut oil, but they differ in their scope, purpose, and regional applicability.
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International Coconut Standard (ICS):
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Scope: The ICS is developed by the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), an intergovernmental organization that works to promote the coconut industry. It is tailored to the specific needs of coconut producing countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Purpose: The ICS provides standards to ensure the quality, safety, and consistency of coconut products in the international market, particularly focusing on the needs and concerns of coconut producers in the region.
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Geographical Applicability: The ICS is mainly relevant to countries in the Asia-Pacific region and is widely used by coconut-producing nations for trade and local regulations.
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Product Types Covered: The ICS primarily focuses on various forms of coconut oil, including virgin coconut oil, refined coconut oil, and copra oil, establishing quality parameters such as moisture content, free fatty acids, and other chemical and physical properties.
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Codex Standard for Coconut Oil:
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Scope: The Codex Alimentarius is a set of internationally recognized food standards developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), which is managed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The Codex standard provides global guidelines for the food industry.
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Purpose: Codex standards are designed to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the international food trade. The Codex Standard for coconut oil aims to ensure the safety and quality of coconut oil products worldwide, facilitating international trade and consumer protection.
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Geographical Applicability: The Codex standards are internationally recognized and apply to all countries involved in the production, trade, and consumption of coconut oil.
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Product Types Covered: The Codex standard is also applicable to various coconut oil products, including refined and virgin coconut oils. It provides detailed specifications for the quality attributes of coconut oil, including sensory characteristics, chemical composition, and purity, while also setting limits on contaminants like pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microorganisms.
Key Differences:
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Regional vs. Global: ICS is more region-specific, primarily catering to the Asia-Pacific region and coconut producing countries. In contrast, Codex standards have a global scope, applying to all countries engaged in the trade of coconut oil.
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Authorities: The ICS is developed by the APCC, while the Codex standard is managed by the FAO/WHO through the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
