GREEN Party members on the Isle of Wight are challenging themselves, and the public, to live palm oil free next month.
According to a study by the European Food Safety Authority, the refined oil infamous for washing up on Island beaches, contains contaminants that cause cancer and organ damage, yet is frequently found in food, cosmetics, and detergents.
While avoiding palm oil day-to-day, part of the challenge is to also keep a lookout for products made with the oil and email the Isle of Wight Green Party with the details.
Maggie Nelmes, environmental campaigns officer for the Isle of Wight Green Party said: "People would be horrified if they knew how widespread the use of palm oil is in foods, even in baby foods.
"Maximising profits is more important to many food manufacturers than our health."
In 2016, Amnesty International investigated plantations belonging to the world's largest producer of palm oil, Wilmar in Indonesia, and found widespread abuse of the workforce, including child and slave labour.
The endangerment of the orangutan, Sumatran tiger, and pygmy elephant is also being attributed to deforestation as part of palm oil production.
To sign up for the challenge and receive regular updates, or to pass on information regarding products containing palm oil, email Maggie Nelmes at maggienelmes@talktalk.net