Tag: Petroleum byproducts

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), D&C Red No. 30 is a certified color additive approved for use in drugs and cosmetics. But what is red 30 dye made of? This vibrant pigment is a synthetic chemical compound, a fact that often surprises consumers accustomed to natural dyes.

The safety of mineral oil is entirely dependent on its level of refinement, with industrial-grade varieties containing carcinogenic compounds that are removed during processing for consumer products. The widespread belief that all mineral oil is harmful often stems from a misunderstanding of this critical difference, causing unnecessary alarm over a staple ingredient in cosmetics and medicine.

While most people associate petroleum with fuel, the process of refining crude oil actually produces a wide range of useful byproducts. Among these, we find the two products which are not used as fuel, but rather serve various important industrial and consumer purposes in their stable, non-combustible forms.

While pure sunflower oil does not naturally contain mineral oil, a 2008 EFSA report confirmed instances of mineral oil contamination in sunflower oil exports from Ukraine. This issue highlights the potential for contamination in food products through various stages of production and handling.

According to the World Health Organization, unprocessed or mildly-treated mineral oils are classified as Group 1 carcinogens, creating significant health concerns. This stark finding helps explain why is mineral oil not good for you, particularly when discussing the less-refined versions used in industrial settings.