ProductionThe cold pressing process is most commonly used to make avocado, olive, pumpkin, flaxseed, sunflower, and peanut oils. Production starts with the nuts, seeds, or fruits being used to make the product being ground into an even paste. This is slowly stirred, which encourages the oil to separate from the solid parts and clump together; once this happens, pressure is applied, forcing the oil out. This can be done with a machine or in the traditional way, with a stone. Though the friction caused by the pressure does increase the temperature of the product, manufacturers must keep it within a certain degree range to be able to claim that the oil is cold pressed.
Regulations
The term "cold pressed oil" is subject to different regulations, depending on the part of the world in which it is made. In the European Union, for example, oil with this label must be produced in an environment that never exceeds a certain temperature. This varies depending on the source material, but is generally around 80° to 120°F (27° to 49°C). In the United States, labeling is not as regulated, so consumers generally need to contact companies directly to enquire as to their manufacturing process. Though many companies make a similar product, expeller pressed oil, it usually can't be designated as cold pressed, since the expelling process involves high levels of pressure, which creates more heat.
Huasing Association 1999 - 2013