Rapeseeds are healthy as the oil composition is excellent; and the proteins have high biological value. The seeds are also rich sources of E-vitamins and plant sterols.

Rapeseeds contain glucosinolates. Glucosinolates (GL’s) can be converted to isothiocyanates by myrosinase, but this conversion is reduced because of the heat treatment during baking. We feel confident that max. 20 % rapeseed in foods together with the low content of GL’s in the seeds will not create health problems for humans. On the contrary small amounts of GLs are supposed to counteract some types of cancer, diabetes 2, inflammation of the body and other diseases.

’Novel Food’ approval

Today whole rapeseeds are not allowed for food use in the European Union. Foods not eaten ’to any significant degree’ in the European Union before April 1st, 1997 must obtain permission from EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) before they can be sold on the market.

Knold & Top ApS has submitted an application to the EFSA. We hope to obtain permission for whole seeds from white flowering rapeseed in 2020.

• Glucosinolates. Some of those are harmful to animals when fed in large amounts. In original varieties before ca. 1980 the amounts of glucosinolates in the seed were larger than 90 μmoles/g seed, to day – regulated by the European Union - the levels of glucosinolates in the seed are below 18 μmoles/g seed.  
• In North America most of current rapeseed varieties contain GMOs (genetic modified organisms). Food containing GMOs is not accepted by many consumers.
• A penetrative taste ‘of rapeseed’ in food products.