Sunflower allergy --problem with oil?

No problem w/ oil: If you are allergic to sunflower seed, you may still eat or cook with the highly purified oil. The allergy is to the proteins in the sunflower seed. Highly purified sunflower oil should not contain any significant protein. However, in very highly sensitive patients with a history of a severe reaction, it may be best to avoid the sunflower oil as well.

Probably not: Sunflower allergy like other food allergies is due to an immune reaction against the protein in the ingested food. Highly refined oils should not contain the protein and should be safe. If you are very allergic or if the oil is pressed by a boutique where it might not be completely free of protein, it would be better to avoid.