Oil & Ghee
Development of Rapid Test Kit (RTK) for Rancidity Detection
Eastern Biotechnology creates a Rapid Test Kit (RTK) for detecting rancidity in fats and oils. Rancidity occurs due to oxidative changes, resulting in off-flavors and unpleasant taste. Consuming substandard rancid fats and oils can lead to serious health complications, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Methodology:
- Peroxide Values (POV): The RTK is based on peroxide values, which are indicative of rancidity.
- Treatment Selection: Different treatments were prepared, and the best-performing treatment was chosen for further kit development.
- Shelf Life: The optimized kit demonstrated a shelf life of 3 months under uncontrolled atmospheric conditions, 4 months inside the lab at 25°C ± 2°C, and 6 months in the refrigerator at 2-4°C ± 2°C.
- Validation: The kit was validated by comparing it with the AOAC reference method using randomly selected oil samples.
- Semi-Quantitative Color Chart: The RTK provides a semi-quantitative color chart to assess the level of rancidity in oils and fats.
Benefits:
- The RTK is rapid, convenient, and time-saving.
- It can be used anywhere and anytime for quality control and monitoring of oil and ghee safety standards.
- Ultimately, it helps reduce health risks associated with the consumption of rancid fats and oils.