How is Emu Oil Manufactured?

The Path to Manufacturing

An emu is a type of bird, in the same class as an ostrich. Emu's are prized by Australian aborigines for excellent tasting meat and the oil that is gathered from the carcass of the emu. Emu oil and meat are becoming a hit in the United States as well. Emu oil is found in the thick padding of fat found on the back part of the bird. The emu oil is separated from the meat and skin, then ground into small bits. It is then refined, sterilized and deodorized.

There are several processes involved in the manufacturing of emu oil. Once the fat is ground, it is melted and sifted to remove any particles of meat or skin. At this point, the manufacturing process is determined by the use of the final product. If the emu oil is to be consumed, it must be refined, bleached and deodorized. However, for topical purposes the emu oil is refined by the use of caustic chemicals. Regardless of the manufacturing process, impurities like metals, peroxides and proteins are removed before the final distillation process and subsequent packaging for sale to the public.

Regardless of whether the emu oil is to be used as a topical ointment or consumed, there are quality standards that must be met by manufacturers. But unscrupulous manufacturers are out there. Be certain that the emu oil you purchase has been properly manufactured and refined. Properly manufactured emu oil is costly so beware of cheap imitations. Read the labels! Make sure the ingredients list 100 percent emu oil. If the emu oil has fragrances or additives, then it is not pure emu oil and you will not receive the same benefits as you would with pure emu oil. Pure emu oil should have a yellowish or white color to it. If the oil or creme is any other color then you are not getting pure emu oil.