Palm oil prices have experienced dramatic swings over the past year, moving from the cheapest to the most expensive vegetable oil and back again. Factors driving this volatility include aging oil palm trees, limited replanting in major producing countries and regulatory changes such as the EU's Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) and recent US tariffs. Adverse weather and higher domestic consumption in Indonesia and Malaysia have also tightened global supplies. With the EUDR set to restrict expansion of crop areas and replanting rates lagging, the market is expected to remain turbulent.

The USDA has maintained its forecast for soybean oil use in biofuel at 15.5 billion pounds for the 2025-26 marketing year, according to the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. The USDA also projects lower US soybean production at 4.3 billion bushels due to reduced planting.

Farm Credit Canada economist Justin Shepherd says US policy changes might reduce demand for Canadian canola and biofuels, but opportunities exist in renewable fuel. The Environmental Protection Agency's proposal could slash incentives for biofuel imports, potentially causing Canadian biofuel producers to seek alternative markets.

Nourish Ingredients has achieved Generally Recognized as Safe status for its precision-fermented fat, Tastilux, made from Mortierella alpina biomass. This designation, granted by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association after a thorough expert review, confirms Tastilux as safe for use as a flavor additive in human food, and the approval permits immediate commercial sales to US food manufacturers, marking a key regulatory milestone for the company and positioning Tastilux for further global regulatory pursuits.

Omega-3 and omega-7 fatty acids offer distinct health benefits, according to Vishal Tyagi of Fytika Healthcare Group. Omega-3s, found in fish and flaxseed, support heart health, brain function and inflammation reduction, while Omega-7s, present in macadamia nuts and sea buckthorn oil, improve insulin sensitivity and skin health.

Researchers at the University of California San Diego and the University of Graz have developed a computational method to determine the omega positions of lipids in complex biological samples. The method, which doesn't require specialized tools, is more sensitive than previous approaches, potentially advancing lipid research and aiding in the diagnosis of metabolic disorders.

A study suggests that a maternal diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can protect against retinopathy of prematurity in neonatal mice. The research published in Pharmacological Research shows that the combined dietary intake of DHA and ARA promotes retinal vessel growth and enhances retinal metabolism, potentially offering a therapeutic approach for infants at risk of this condition.

It is vital to understand the structural arrangement of the molecules in the final product of plant-based milk alternatives in order to compare it to the dairy product you wish to mimic. This review article looks at the analytical methods used to assess composition to gain insights on intermolecular interactions and maintain plant-based milk alternative product quality. Read the article here.

Access the most reliable, validated collection of analytical testing methods for fats and oils. Ensure your lab maintains proficiency and accuracy in testing by updating to the new edition, which features 400+ methods - including 120+ revisions. Access AOCS methods.

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