Overview
ISO 5507:2002 - "Oilseeds, vegetable oils and fats - Nomenclature" is an ISO international standard that establishes a consistent nomenclature for oleaginous (oil-bearing) plants and their products. The standard provides botanical names for the main species of oilseeds and gives the corresponding names of raw materials and names of oils/fats. An alphabetical index of raw materials is included to assist users. This third edition (2002) updates and replaces the 1992 edition and was prepared by ISO/TC 34 (Food products), Subcommittee SC 2 (Oleaginous seeds and fruits). The publication is bilingual (English/French) and permits limited reproduction of its terms and definitions for educational or implementation purposes.
Key Topics
- Standardized botanical names of the main oleaginous plant species (genus and species).
- Names of raw materials (e.g., seeds, kernels, pericarp) associated with each botanical entry.
- Names of corresponding oils and fats, including common trade names (e.g., palm oil, sunflowerseed oil).
- Alphabetical index of raw materials for quick lookup and cross-reference.
- Bilingual presentation (English and French) to support international use.
- Published and maintained by ISO/TC 34/SC 2 for the food and oilseed sector.
Applications
ISO 5507:2002 is a practical reference for anyone who needs accurate, internationally recognized nomenclature for oilseeds and vegetable oils:
- Food manufacturers and processors - labeling, ingredient listings, product specifications.
- Trade and procurement teams - clear contract terms and commodity descriptions for oilseed and vegetable oil transactions.
- Regulators and inspection bodies - regulatory definitions, import/export classification, and enforcement.
- Laboratories and quality-control teams - unambiguous sample identification and reporting.
- Researchers, agronomists and botanists - consistent botanical references across studies and publications.
- Standards writers and technical committees - harmonizing terminology in new standards, specifications, and guidance documents.
Benefits
- Ensures consistent terminology across international trade, regulatory documents and technical literature.
- Reduces ambiguity between botanical, raw material and commercial oil names (important for labeling, safety data sheets and product claims).
- Facilitates cross-border communication with an authoritative, bilingual reference.
Related standards
ISO 5507:2002 is part of ISO’s body of standards for food products and oleaginous seeds/fruits (developed by ISO/TC 34). Users implementing ISO 5507 often consult other ISO food and labelling standards or national regulations to align nomenclature with legal and commercial requirements.
Keywords: ISO 5507:2002, oilseeds nomenclature, vegetable oils, fats, botanical names, raw materials, oil names, ISO standard.
