faq

  1. Where can low-linolenic soybean oil be purchased?
    At this moment, low-linolenic soybean oil is not available for purchase at local grocery stores. Several food producers and restaurants such as KFC, Kraft, etc., are utilizing low-linolenic soybean oil. It is the Ohio Soybean Council's goal to have low-linolenic soybean oil available for consumer purchase.

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  2. Is it genetically modified?
    Yes, low-linolenic soybeans are genetically modified. Many scientists would agree that biotechnology is an important contributor to a sustainable agriculture system because it can produce more food with a lesser environmental impact as compared to conventional agriculture. But farmers are not the only beneficiaries of biotechnology, when farmers benefit, the local community benefits economically and the consumers in that community also benefit with a safe, nutritious and sustainable food supply. In fact, in the 12 plus years that biotech crops have been commercially grown, there has not been a single documented case of an ecosystem disrupted or a person made ill by these foods. (Information provided by The Benefits of Biotechnology - United Soybean Board)

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  3. Why have some never heard of soybean oil?
    Most people are unaware that the majority of all vegetable oil is actually soybean oil. Years ago, it was decided that consumers would buy vegetable oil because they perceived it to be healthier than soybean oil.

  4. Will products made with low-linolenic soybean oil taste different?
    There is no difference in appearance, taste or cooking than vegetable oil. Chances are people haven't even noticed a difference in KFC, Wendy's and other fast food restaurants that are now cooking with trans fat-free oils. The oil is basically the same, but it contains less linolenic acid.

  5. What should people look for on labels to make sure the products purchased do not have trans fats and are made with low-linolenic soybean oil?
    Consumers should look at the Nutrition Facts panel on the food label and choose foods that contain zero grams of trans fats. To download a food pyramid and label click the following links: Food Pyramid  Food Label

  6. If a product states that it is "trans fat-free" does that mean it was made with low-linolenic soybean oil?
    No. Food manufacturers use many different types of oils in food processing (such as canola oil, olive oil, palm oil, and safflower oil to name a few). A label claiming that a product is “trans fat free” simply means that the product does not contain a partially-hydrogenated oil. 
  7. Does zero trans fats really mean that there are no trans fats in the product?
    Not necessarily. Labeling laws set forth by the Food and Drug Administration allow food products that contain less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving to claim that they are “trans fat free.” It is believed that higher levels of trans fat pose a greater public health risk.
  8. What is hydrogenation?
    Hydrogenation is a chemical process in which hydrogen is added to cooking oil. The addition of hydrogen makes the oil more solid. When partially-hydrogenated oils are added to food products, the products have a longer shelf-life. Processed foods, such as crackers and chips, often contain partially hydrogenated oil.

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  9. Where can I buy products made of soy or soy by-products?
    Below are the categories in which you can find consumer products containing soy or soy by-products. 
  • All-purpose lubricants
  • Animal care
  • Auto care
  • Bar chain oils
  • Building products
  • Candles
  • Cleaning products
  • Crayons
  • Diesel additives
  • Engine oils
  • Furniture
  • Hair-care products
  • Hand cleaners
  • Hydraulic fluids
  • Inks and Toners
  • Paint strippers
  • Personal care
  • Soy biodiesel
  • Two-cycle engine oil
  • Waxes

Additional information can be found at http://www.soynewuses.com/ProductsGuide/Default.aspx.