# AI tells a user that highly refined peanut oil is safe for peanut-allergic individuals because it contains no protein

- **ID:** `food-safety/peanut-oil-allergy`
- **Domain:** food-safety
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Error Code:** `FS-ALLERGY-PEANUT-OIL-052`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 78%

## Root Cause

Highly refined peanut oil is generally considered safe for most peanut-allergic individuals by FDA and FAARP, but cold-pressed or unrefined peanut oil retains allergenic proteins; the AI fails to distinguish between refined and unrefined, and some individuals still react to trace proteins in 'highly refined' oil due to cross-contamination or processing variability.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| FDA Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) 2004 | active | — | — |
| FAARP guidelines 2023 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Advise user to only use peanut oil that is labeled 'highly refined' and from a manufacturer that tests for peanut protein residues (e.g., <2.5 ppm). Provide a list of brands that meet this standard (e.g., LouAna, Planters) and recommend contacting the manufacturer for allergen testing reports.** (78% success)
   ```
   Advise user to only use peanut oil that is labeled 'highly refined' and from a manufacturer that tests for peanut protein residues (e.g., <2.5 ppm). Provide a list of brands that meet this standard (e.g., LouAna, Planters) and recommend contacting the manufacturer for allergen testing reports.
   ```
2. **If user is severely allergic, recommend using alternative oils (canola, sunflower, grapeseed) to avoid any risk. Provide a Python script to check ingredient labels: `if 'peanut oil' in ingredients and 'refined' not in label: print('Avoid')`.** (90% success)
   ```
   If user is severely allergic, recommend using alternative oils (canola, sunflower, grapeseed) to avoid any risk. Provide a Python script to check ingredient labels: `if 'peanut oil' in ingredients and 'refined' not in label: print('Avoid')`.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Tell user to test the oil on their skin before eating** — Skin testing is not reliable for predicting oral reactivity; some individuals have no skin reaction but still experience anaphylaxis when ingesting. (90% fail)
- **Advise user to buy peanut oil labeled 'hypoallergenic'** — The term 'hypoallergenic' is not regulated for oils; it does not guarantee absence of allergenic proteins. (85% fail)
- **Suggest the user cook the oil at high heat to denature proteins** — Proteins in unrefined oil are heat-stable; even deep frying at 375°F may not fully denature allergenic proteins. (80% fail)