Skip to main content

Types of Laboratory Tests For Edible Oils

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.

TestPurpose
Moisture & Volatile MatterIndicates shelf life and spoilage risk
Refractive IndexIdentifies purity and type of oil
Specific GravityDifferentiates between oil types
Color (Lovibond Tintometer)Assesses oil clarity and grade
ViscosityMeasures flow properties  

2. Chemical Quality Tests

These determine freshness, oxidation level, and chemical degradation.

TestPurpose
Acid ValueIndicates free fatty acids; higher value means rancidity
Peroxide ValueMeasures primary oxidation; important for shelf life
Saponification ValueDetermines molecular weight and type of oil
Iodine ValueAssesses unsaturation; helps classify the oil
Unsaponifiable MatterDetects impurities like waxes, sterols
Polenske & Reichert-Meissl ValuesUsed in ghee/butter fat analysis

3. Adulteration Tests

Check for mixing of cheaper or harmful oils.

TestDetects
Bellier Turbidity TestAdulteration in ghee or vanaspati
Baudouin TestDetects sesame oil in vanaspati
Hexane ResidueChecks solvent extraction residues
Argemone Oil DetectionHighly toxic adulterant test
Trans Fatty Acid TestChecks for industrial hydrogenation

4. Microbiological Tests (mostly for flavored/processed oils)

  • Total Plate Count

  • Yeast & Mould Count

  • Pathogen Detection (Salmonella, E. coli)
    (Applicable in infused or unrefined oils)

5. Nutritional & Shelf Life Tests

  • Fatty Acid Profile (using GC-FID or GC-MS)

  • Cholesterol Content (especially in animal fats)

  • Vitamin E (Tocopherols)

  • Oxidative Stability Index (OSI)

  • 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:

  • NABL-accredited instrumentation

  • FSSAI-recommended protocols

  • Support for export quality standards (AGMARK, ISO, etc.)

TTH handles testing for:

  • Groundnut, sunflower, coconut, sesame, mustard oils

  • Vanaspati, ghee, olive oil, rice bran oil, palm oil

  • Cold-pressed and infused oils

 Report Deliverables from TTH

  • Comprehensive Test Report

  • Adulteration and purity certificate

  • Shelf life assessment data

  • FSSAI label compliance verification



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Ensure BIS Compliance for Cosmetic Products

A Guide for Manufacturers In India’s booming cosmetic industry, regulatory compliance is not just a legal necessity—it's a mark of product safety and consumer trust. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates strict guidelines to ensure that cosmetic products are safe, effective, and free from harmful substances. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, product recalls, and reputational damage. At Tamilnadu Test House , we help cosmetic manufacturers navigate these complex requirements with ease. Here's how you can ensure your products meet BIS standards #tamilnadutesthouse #cosmetic #cosmetics
Post a Comment
Read more

Understanding Total Polar Compounds in Oil: A Key Indicator of Oil Quality and Safety

In the food and oil processing industry, maintaining the quality and safety of edible oils is crucial. One of the most significant indicators of oil degradation during use, especially during frying, is the formation of Total Polar Compounds (TPCs) . These compounds play a vital role in determining whether the oil is still suitable for consumption or needs to be discarded. What Are Total Polar Compounds? Total Polar Compounds are a group of substances formed when edible oils are exposed to high temperatures, such as during deep frying. Over time, heat, oxygen, and moisture cause the oil to break down, resulting in the formation of polar substances like oxidized triglycerides, free fatty acids, mono- and diglycerides, and polymerized triglycerides. These compounds increase with repeated oil use and indicate oil degradation, reduced nutritional value, and the potential formation of harmful substances. Why Is TPC Measurement Important? Monitoring TPC levels is essential for both food safe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Top 10 Food Testing Methods for Safety and Quality Assurance

Food safety and quality assurance are crucial for ensuring that products are free from harmful substances and meet the required standards. Here are the top 10 food testing methods used in the industry: 1. Microbiological Testing Purpose: Detects harmful microorganisms like bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli), yeasts, molds, and pathogens. Method: Culture methods, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), or immunoassays to identify contamination and ensure food safety. 2. Allergen Testing Purpose: Identifies the presence of food allergens (e.g., peanuts, gluten, soy). Method: ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), PCR, and mass spectrometry are commonly used. 3. Chemical Contaminants Testing Purpose: Detects chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals. Method: Techniques like Gas Chromatography (GC), Liquid Chromatography (LC), and ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) are used to ensure chemical safety levels. 4. Nutritional Analysis Purpose: Verifies ...
Post a Comment
Read more