Nutriswiss, a refiner of edible oils and fats in Switzerland, has developed a combination of physical refining processes to purify organic oils and optimise their taste. After treatment, the company claims, the oils are virtually free from process contaminants (3-MCPD, glycidol, trans fatty acids). Mineral oil residues, plasticisers, free fatty acids and other contaminants are also reportedly reduced while micronutrients are preserved.
The contract manufacturer refines oils for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Its processes are compliant with European organic guidelines and other certifications such as Demeter, Bioland and BioSuisse.
Through the company’s technology, it says, oils that would be of limited suitability for further processing or trade due to intense flavours, coloration or exposure to environmental and transport contaminants become viable ingredients. Unlike conventional physical refining at high temperatures, which creates process contaminants and destroys valuable micronutrients, the thermal load in ‘mild refining’ processes remains comparatively low. The process is also therefore suitable for sensitive raw materials such as omega-3-rich seed oils like rapeseed or linseed oil, algae oil or other specialty oils, according to Nutriswiss.
Contaminants can originate during organic cultivation from exhaust gases, for example, or can enter the raw material through contact with machinery and transport circumstances. With "mild refining" technologies however, the company can purify oils without the formation of process contaminants such as glycidol and 3-MCPD, for which strict limits according to EU Regulation 2020/1322.
Michel Burla, MD Nutriswiss, said: "The contract production of high-purity oils in organic quality is a very special addition to our existing range of services. We are proud that we can now meet market demand with certified, purely physical processes."