Is Rapeseed (Canola) Oil Considered Kitniyot?

Rapeseed oil is extracted from rapeseeds. In the past rapeseed oil had a bitter taste. In recent years, a mild variety of rapeseed was cultivated and the less bitter extracted-oil became known as canola oil. Is rapeseed oil considered kitniyot?

The Sochatchover Rebbe, Rav Avrohom Borenstein (1838-1910) addresses this issue (Avnei Nezer, OC 533). He rules that rapeseed oil is kitniyot (in spite of the fact that it has a bitter taste) because rapeseeds grow in pods and are part of the mustard family which the Rama (OC 453:1) identifies as kitniyot. Thus it is clear that canola oil is kitniyot as well. Although the conclusion of the Avnei Nezer is to permit kitniyot oil for reasons that are beyond the scope of this Halacha Yomis, the OU follows the position of many other poskim who do not sanction kitniyot oils under any circumstances. Therefore, the OU does not certify canola oil for Pesach. For a complete listing of kitniyot items please see https://oukosher.org/passover/guidelines/food-items/kitniyot-list/.

The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt”l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.