Types of Laboratory Tests for Edible Oils
Testing edible oils ensures they are safe, pure, and of high quality. These tests are crucial for FSSAI compliance, export standards, and consumer trust.
Physicochemical Tests
These tests determine the basic physical and chemical properties of oils.
Test | Purpose |
---|---|
Moisture & Volatile Matter | Indicates shelf life and spoilage risk |
Refractive Index | Identifies purity and type of oil |
Specific Gravity | Differentiates between oil types |
Color (Lovibond Tintometer) | Assesses oil clarity and grade |
Viscosity | Measures flow properties |
2. Chemical Quality Tests
These determine freshness, oxidation level, and chemical degradation.
Test | Purpose |
---|---|
Acid Value | Indicates free fatty acids; higher value means rancidity |
Peroxide Value | Measures primary oxidation; important for shelf life |
Saponification Value | Determines molecular weight and type of oil |
Iodine Value | Assesses unsaturation; helps classify the oil |
Unsaponifiable Matter | Detects impurities like waxes, sterols |
Polenske & Reichert-Meissl Values | Used in ghee/butter fat analysis |
3. Adulteration Tests
Check for mixing of cheaper or harmful oils.
Test | Detects |
---|---|
Bellier Turbidity Test | Adulteration in ghee or vanaspati |
Baudouin Test | Detects sesame oil in vanaspati |
Hexane Residue | Checks solvent extraction residues |
Argemone Oil Detection | Highly toxic adulterant test |
Trans Fatty Acid Test | Checks for industrial hydrogenation |
4. Microbiological Tests (mostly for flavored/processed oils)
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Total Plate Count
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Yeast & Mould Count
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Pathogen Detection (Salmonella, E. coli)
(Applicable in infused or unrefined oils)
5. Nutritional & Shelf Life Tests
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Fatty Acid Profile (using GC-FID or GC-MS)
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Cholesterol Content (especially in animal fats)
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Vitamin E (Tocopherols)
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Oxidative Stability Index (OSI)
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Shelf Life Study under accelerated and real-time conditions
Testing Edible Oils at Tamilnadu Test House (TTH), Chennai
Tamilnadu Test House offers all the above tests with:
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NABL-accredited instrumentation
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FSSAI-recommended protocols
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Support for export quality standards (AGMARK, ISO, etc.)
TTH handles testing for:
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Groundnut, sunflower, coconut, sesame, mustard oils
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Vanaspati, ghee, olive oil, rice bran oil, palm oil
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Cold-pressed and infused oils
Report Deliverables from TTH
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Comprehensive Test Report
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Adulteration and purity certificate
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Shelf life assessment data
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FSSAI label compliance verification
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