Does Olive Oil Have to Be Decanted from Dented Metal Canisters?

Does olive oil have to be decanted from 3 liter tin cans if they are dented? Is this harmful to health and is there a better way to dispose of the oil?

Whether olive oil should be discarded from a dented can is a difficult question. It depends on whether the canister has an internal coating and whether this coating (e.g. epoxy resin) contains harmful substances such as Bisphenol A (BPA). Then there is the question of how much BPA is getting into the oil through the dents and whether this amount is harmful to health. We cannot judge that, and many scientists do not agree on the harmful dose and effect. However, the maximum amount of BPA that can migrate from packaging to food was already reduced significantly in 2018. Normally, the provider must comply with these regulations. Dents in the canister do not necessarily mean that pollutants are released into the food.

It is best to clarify with the supplier of the oil whether the canister has a BPA-containing coating on the inside to protect against corrosion and whether he can still guarantee that the food is safe in the event of dents in the canister.

In principle, it is advisable to pour oil in large canisters into smaller containers (dark bottles) because the empty space fills with air and the oxygen contained in it makes it easier for the oil to oxidize (become rancid).