Glossary of Bulk Oil Terms

As opposed to a fry oil, salad oils do not contain an antifoam agent commonly used in fry oils.  If an oil doesn’t specify if it is a salad or fry variety, it is typically a salad oil by default.

Oil made from the safflower plant.  A safflower is a stalky plant with a bright flower bulb and seeds inside which contain the oil. 

Oil made from the bran (or outer dry husk) of rice. 

A department within food manufacturing companies tasked with researching new recipes, cooking methods, and developing new products. In the process, they also sometimes are tasked with finding new ingredients and vendors. R&D personnel often have a scientific background, and use chemistry as a part of their research role. Overall, they also help expand company growth, creating new product lines and entering new industry segments.

A mill that refines oils.  Refineries may also have crushing or producing capabilities attached/nearby, and usually focuses on commodity oils like soy and canola.  Refineries can be production plants that produce large volumes of one type, or may be “contract refineries”, which refine smaller lots of oil for specific customers.

See RBD.

A food recall is a voluntary action by a manufacturer or distributor to protect the public from products that may cause health problems or possible death. A recall may also be intended to remove food products from commerce when there is reason to believe the products may be adulterated or misbranded.

RBD Stands for Refined, Bleached & Deodorized.  This is a standard process for any seed oils and for refined / pure olive oil.  To learn more about what’s involved, read this article.

A powered railway vehicle designed to operate as part of a multiple unit.  Also, it is the largest unit of bulk packaging for oil produced in North America and transported throughout the continent.  This bulk packaging is not used for the importation of oils, as railways are not used for ocean travel.

See Procurement.  Purchasing departments and personnel are often responsible for inventory control and planning more so than procurement personnel may be.  However, these terms / job titles are often used interchangeably.