Vegetable oils abound in Supermarkets

Cameroon and foreign productions of vegetable oil abound on the local market and recommended practices are not always taken into account.

At supermarkets in Yaoundé there exist a diversity of vegetable oils on sale in Cameroon. In this melting pot, there are different classes of local productions (Mayor, gold, Diamaor, Promor, Star oil Palm Azur' gold) and imported products (Jadida).

Housewives are forced to pose themselves the question, what oil is made for what use? Some brands mentioned on their bottles: 'Ideal for cooking, seasoning and frying', others stated: "cooking, frying and baking, or simply: 'cooking oil'.

But for Florence Z. and for most consumers encountered, these references are not really taken into consideration at the time of purchase. She noted that: "I'm first attracted by price, then the mark and color. Too dark oils do not attract me. I feel that I cannot reuse them several times for frying."

Mélanie Boum, Secretary, said she multiplies the uses of vegetable oils that she purchases: "I use them without distinction. When I walk into my kitchen, I take the first bottle of oil that I see."

Another category of housewives, such as Michelle Abate, relies on the taste. "For me, seasoning oils have their taste and texture. They have less pronounced taste and are lighter. I think they are ideal for vegetables".

This may have an adverse impact on health

Mike Kemleu Tchabgou, Secretary-General of the Association of refiners of oilseeds of Cameroon (ASROC), which produces 85% of vegetable oils refined in Cameroon, explained: "soybean oil has an alpha-linolenic acid content of higher or equal to 2%. It endangers the health of the consumer when it is used for cooking and frying at high temperatures. Therefore, it can only be seasoning oil".

For many, there is need for awareness for people to take into account the indications on the oil bottles. Mike Kemleu Tchabgou added to this effect: "labelling informs consumers about the composition of the product”