New 1% Linolenic Soy Oil Available for Testing from Zeeland Farm Services, Inc.

ZEELAND, Michigan - Zeeland Farm Services, Inc., has available a new 1% linolenic acid soy oil for distribution to the food industry and others who want to test it. The oil was extracted by Zeeland Farm Services, Inc., from soybeans developed at Iowa State University.

Traditional soy oil is hydrogenated to reduce the effects of linolenic acid, the primary fatty acid responsible for the development of off-flavors and reduced shelf life. The hydrogenation process produces trans fats that are considered undesirable for cardiovascular health. Beginning in 2006, the Food and Drug Administration will require food manufacturers to list the trans fat content on product nutrition labels.
The new soybean, developed by conventional breeding methods, has only 1% linolenic acid, compared with about 7% in conventional soybean oil. With only 1% linolenic acid in the oil, hydrogenation and the trans fats it produces can be eliminated.

Zeeland Farm Services, Inc., planted and harvested the 1% linolenic soybeans in Michigan in 2003. In November, the company extracted with hexane 210,000 pounds of crude oil. Loders Croklaan, a producer of specialty and nutritional oils and fats in Joliet, Ill., refined about 70,000 pounds of the oil for testing by oil suppliers and the food industry. The remaining crude oil will be refined as needed.

Samples of the refined, bleached and deodorized oil are available from Zeeland Farm Services, Inc., in 420-lb drums or 35-lb bottles.

The oil in the 420-lb drums does not contain any additives.

The oil in the 35-lb bottles contains TBHQ and an anti-foaming agent for use in frying applications. The 35-lb bottles are available by the skid (60 bottles per skid) or individually. Individual 35-lb bottles can be sent by FedEx for an additional shipping charge.

To order drums or bottles of the 1% linolenic oil, e-mail Robert Meeuwsen of Zeeland Farm Services, Inc., robbm@zfsinc.com, or phone (800) 748-0595.