Elaine writes:
First off, canola is not illegal. However, canola has been developed from rapeseed (could be a hybrid or maybe even genetically manipulated). What's wrong with rapeseed? It contains two toxic compounds which are bred out of it. However, there have been cases where, because of weather changes, etc., the plant reverts back to rapeseed and has caused death in those consuming it. It has not happened often but we figure there are many other oils without that kind of history, so why play around with it?

Another list member sent in this article:
"Canola Oil - Rape in a Different Guise... Words of Wisdom from Dr. Dan Duffy, SR. (aka "Taz"). Where does canola oil come from? Olive oil comes from olives, peanut oil from peanuts, sunflower oil from sunflowers; but what is canola? Canola is not the name of a natural plant but a made-up word from the words Canada and oil. Canola is a genetically engineered plant developed in Canada from the Rapeseed Plant, which is part of the mustard family of plants. According to AgriAlternatives, the online innovation and technology magazine for farmers "by nature these rapeseed oils, which have long been used to produce oils for industrial purposes, are...toxic to humans and other animals" (this by the way, is one of the websites singing the praises of the new canola industry). Rapeseed oil is an excellent insect repellant (works wonderfully to kill aphids by suffocating them). It (rapeseed) is also used as a lubricant, fuel, soap, synthetic rubber base and as an illuminate for color pages in magazines. It is industrial oil and not a food. No studies on humans were conducted before huge amounts of money were spent to promote canola oil in the United States. However, studies with rodents were disastrous. The laboratory animals developed fatty degeneration of the heart, kidneys and adrenals and thyroid problems. when canola oil was withdrawn from their diets, the fatty deposits dissolved, but scar tissue remained in all vital organs. Those who defend canola oil indicate that human studies were not needed because the Chinese and Indians have used it for centuries with no ill effect; however, the form they used was unrefined and had not been genetically engineered. I'm not certain what you will be cooking with tonight, but I'll be using extra virgin olive oil, sesame seed oil or old-fashioned butter from a genetically unmodified cow."

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