Palm Oil warning

Reports of suspected palm oil deposits on Thanet’s beaches have been received this week and the council is alerting people to its potential dangers and erecting warning notices in those areas affected.

These unknown white lumpy substances have been occurring more frequently following winter storms over the last couple of years, and may be better described as ‘mineral and vegetable oils’ – as palm oil is only one type.

Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from the mesocarp (reddish pulp) of the fruit of the oil palms, primarily the African oil palm Elaeis guineensisand to a lesser extent from the American oil palm Elaeis oleifera and the maripa palm Attalea maripa.

Palm oil is naturally reddish in color because of a high beta-carotene content. It is not to be confused with palm kernel oil derived from the kernel of the same fruit. or coconut oil derived from the kernel of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). The differences are in color (raw palm kernel oil lacks carotenoids and is not red), and in saturated fat content: palm mesocarp oil is 49% saturated, while palm kernel oil and coconut oil are 81% and 86% saturated fats, respectively. However, crude red palm oil that has been refined, bleached and deodorized, a common commodity called RBD palm oil, does not contain carotenoids.

 

 

Please be aware of the following:

  • Dog owners are advised to please keep your dog on a lead if visiting the beach. This substance can also be harmful to dogs if eaten.
  • The deposits are a waxy substance, yellowish/white in colour and smell like diesel/firelighters.
  • Council officers are currently inspecting Thanet’s coastline and cleansing teams have been alerted should there be any deposits.
  • If anyone comes across what they expect to be palm oil or any other harmful substance, please contact the council with as much information as possible – location, photo, size/quantity, and if it has been removed from the beach.
  • Any sightings should be reported to the council on 01843 577000.
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