Uses for industrial fats

[rojash]

I was reading that the problem with dioxins in animal feed (in Germany) was cuased by contamination due to the fact that the factory was processing both fats for animal feed and fats for industrial use (apparently they're talking about banning factories from doing both).

I'm just wondering what (apart from hair and fabric conditioners) are the industrial fats used for? And, are dioxins in hair conditioner safe?

[ABerrant]

German firm Harles & Jentzsch GmbH is alleged to be the culprit. The company believed that byproducts from palm, soy and rapeseed oil used to make organic diesel fuels were safe for use in livestock feed.

Industrial use of fats and oils has seen rapid growth and development over the past few decade, driven mainly by high petroleum and natural gas prices as well as growing demand for natural or renewable-based products. In the US and EU methyl esters (biodiesel) has been the biggest factor in the increase in fats and oils use, along with applications in lubricants and similar oils.

Industrial use now accounts for more than 20% of the global total vegetable oil consumption compared to 10% in 2001.

[beso]

Actually I am not convinced the central product of palm oil is suitable for feeding anything. I shudder at the thought of anything eating the byproducts.

The byproducts of rapeseed would also be a worry. I do wonder how well the toxins from this plant originally grown to produce industrial lubricants are separated from the "edible" components.

As for soy, the spin produced by the US Soy Growers Association is probably the most successful propaganda campaign in history.