If you have never thought of it......think again. It is so widespread that it is hard to avoid, it is in many foods, often labelled as "vegetable oil" and also in cosmetics and toiletries. The way to try and avoid it is read the labels of everything and find out where it is sourced.
Destruction of the natural environment and habitat if many species, including the orang-utan now on the verge of extinction is all in the name of PALM OIL. Avoiding it can make a huge difference.

http://www.saynotopalmoil.com/