Palm Oil Free Certificate Approved in 3 More Countries

Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands are the latest countries to adopt the International Palm Oil Free Certification Trademark (POFCAP), bringing the number of countries using the label to 20, reports FoodNavigator on August 28.  The addition of Benelux, as the neighboring nations are known, expands the efficacy of the certification worldwide, the organization  said.  A few island territories have also accepted the label’s use.  POFCAP launched the certification program in Australia on August 19, 2017, which is commemorated as International Orangutan Day by Orangutan Outreach, a nonprofit focused on the endangered animal and its rainforest habitat.  

The US and nine European countries, including the UK, have approved the certification in the past two years.  Outside the creator’s home country, only Singapore and India have given it the go-ahead elsewhere.  To date, POFCAP has certified more than 1,000 products from vegetable oils to snacks, skincare products to vitamins as palm oil free.  The certifier claims 80% of palm oil is sourced ‘unsustainability.’ By clearly marking products made without palm oil, it adds, consumers can easily avoid the ingredient for ethical reasons and for allergen or dietary ones.  POFCAP also says it shares 100% of its profits with ‘partner NGOs’ focused on protecting rainforests.