Growing demand for homemade sunflower oil raises health concerns in Azerbaijan

In recent months, freshly extracted sunflower oil has become increasingly popular among Azerbaijani consumers. Shoppers are drawn to what they perceive as a more “natural” and flavorful alternative to mass-produced oils found in supermarkets.

However, much of this oil is sold in bazaars or along busy walkways, often in unsanitary conditions. Despite this, many buyers continue to purchase from vendors they trust.

The naturally extracted oil is better than what’s sold in shops — we don’t know where those come from,” said one local buyer. “I pay attention to purity and taste. This oil is richer and stronger. Others lose their aroma quickly once you start cooking.

Another customer echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing trust and familiarity:

“We only buy sunflower oil from people we know. I believe natural oil is healthier and free from synthetic additives,” he said.

Vendors confirm that sales of homemade sunflower oil have been rising steadily. They attribute the demand to its taste, natural composition, and traditional extraction methods.

To produce one liter of pure oil, we need three to five kilograms of sunflower seeds,” said one vendor. “Compared to last year, demand has noticeably increased — now every fifth or tenth customer asks for it. We follow hygiene rules and extract the oil right in front of buyers. Sunflower oil is our bestseller, mainly used for cooking. One liter costs 7 AZN, with discounts available for bulk purchases.

Despite the growing popularity, food safety experts are warning consumers about potential health risks. Improper storage, mixing of oils, and lack of proper processing can make these unregulated products hazardous.

"Sunlight can react with the oil inside plastic bottles, especially if stored outdoors,” one expert explained. “Plant-based oils like sunflower should not be mixed at home without undergoing proper refining and deodorization. Different types of oils have varying chemical structures — mixing them incorrectly can pose serious health risks. Even packaging quality plays a role in maintaining safety."

According to the Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan, only products manufactured by state-recognized enterprises and accompanied by veterinary certificates are legally allowed for sale across the country’s trade networks.

The agency also emphasized that the sale of homemade or unregulated products from locations that fail to meet hygiene standards is strictly prohibited. Items of unknown origin are routinely removed from the market during inspections, and cases involving street vendors are referred to the relevant authorities.

As consumers continue to seek more “natural” options, experts urge the public to remain cautious — reminding that not all homemade products guarantee safety, even when they promise authenticity and tradition.