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Oils & Fats Testing by YMC

 

Edible oils and fats, as defined by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, consist primarily of glycerides of fatty acids and can originate from plant, animal, or marine sources. These oils may also include minor quantities of naturally occurring lipids such as phosphatides, unsaponifiable compounds, and free fatty acids.

Cooking oils are a crucial part of daily diets and form an essential ingredient in the food processing industry. Beyond nutrition, they enhance the taste, aroma, and texture of prepared foods.

Given the growing awareness of food safety, regulatory authorities like FSSAI have strengthened compliance norms—making testing, shelf-life determination, labelling, and sensory evaluations mandatory. At YMC, we are committed to helping you ensure high-quality, safe, and compliant oils and fats through advanced testing solutions.

 

Our Comprehensive Testing Services

 

Quality Assessment

• Fatty Acid Profiling (including EPA, DHA)

• Free Fatty Acid / Acid Value

• TPC (Total Polar Compounds)

• Moisture & Impurities

• Iodine Value (Wijs Method)

• Peroxide Value

• Saponification Value

• Unsaponifiable Matter

• Acetone / Hexane Insoluble Matter

• p-Anisidine Value

• Polymeric Triglycerides

• Erucic Acid Content

 

Contaminant Testing

• 3-MCPD & Glycidyl Esters (GEs)

• Mineral Oils (MOSH, MOAH, POSH)

• Aflatoxins & Mycotoxins (e.g., Zearalenone)

• Microbial Contaminants

• PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)

• Phthalates & Softeners

• Pesticide Residues

• Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium)

• Chlorinated Hydrocarbons

• BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, Ethylbenzene)

• Dioxins and Dioxin-like PCBs

 

Additional Analytical Capabilities

• Label Compliance Review

• Density, Smoke Point, Flash Point

• Melting Point Analysis

• Colour Measurement (Lovibond, Gardner)

• Additive Testing (Flavours, Colours)

• Allergen Testing (as per EU Regulation 1169/2011)

• Irradiation & GMO Screening

• Nutrition & Health Claims Validation (EFSA)

• Solid Fat Content

• Rancimat Oxidative Stability Test

• Fat-Soluble Vitamin Analysis

• Real-time & Accelerated Stability Testing

• Sensory Evaluations

• Food Contact Material Compliance

• Microbiological Analysis

 

Commonly Tested Edible Oils

• Seed Oils: Sunflower, safflower, sesame, pumpkin, linseed

• Nut Oils: Walnut, peanut, hazelnut

• Fruit Oils: Coconut, avocado, palm, olive (including as per EU 2568/91)

• Grain Sprout Oils

• Animal & Marine Oils: Fish oil, beef tallow

• Specialty Oils: Melon seed, watermelon seed oil

• Others: Margarine, spreadable fats, lecithin

 

Adulteration and Safety Concerns in Oils

Incidents of adulteration—such as mixing groundnut oil with cheaper oils like soybean or palmolein—have raised serious safety and authenticity concerns. However, modern analytical technologies now allow precise detection of such fraudulent practices.

Additionally, long-term storage or repeated heating of oils accelerates oxidation, resulting in undesirable flavours, odours, and potentially toxic by-products.

 

Key Safety Issues:

• Free Fatty Acids (FFA): A marker of oil degradation and hydrolysis, leading to rancidity.

• Trans Fats: Formed via hydrogenation, linked to elevated LDL (bad cholesterol) and cardiovascular risks.

  • In 2015, the FDA ruled PHOs (Partially Hydrogenated Oils) no longer GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).

• 3-MCPD & GEs: Linked to kidney damage, infertility, and carcinogenicity.

• Total Polar Compounds (TPC): Increase with oil reuse; excessive intake associated with hypertension, liver disorders, and cognitive risks.

  • FSSAI mandates that TPC levels in edible oils must not exceed 25%.

 

Regulatory Highlights

• FSSAI and international standards recommend regular testing to assess:

  • Shelf-life

  • Chemical stability

  • Nutritional integrity

  • Labelling accuracy

  • Contaminant levels

Proper evaluation of oils ensures consumer safety, brand protection, and regulatory compliance.

 

Why Choose YMC?

• Nationwide on-site sampling in accordance with ISO and FSSAI protocols

• Cutting-edge technology and modern instruments

• Rapid turnaround times and detailed reports

• Online portals for easy sample tracking and result access

• Local expertise with a global support network

• Proactive insights into emerging risks and regulatory changes

• Custom guidance on labelling, hygiene audits, allergen control, and traceability

• Reliable, validated results with strong technical and regulatory support

• Continuous R&D involvement in improving oil quality and detection methods

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