Xx Virgin Coconut Oil

download Xx Virgin Coconut Oil

of 10

Transcript of Xx Virgin Coconut Oil

  • L. Kamariah, A. Azmi, A. Rosmawati, M.G. Wai Ching, M.D. Azlina, A. Sivapragasam, C.P. Tan and O.M. LaiJ. Trop. Agric. and Fd. Sc. 36(2)(2008): 000 000

    Physico-chemical and quality characteristics of virgin coconut oil A Malaysian survey(Ciri-ciri kimia fizikal dan kualiti minyak kelapa dara Tinjauan di Malaysia)L. Kamariah*, A. Azmi*, A. Rosmawati*, M.G. Wai Ching*, M.D. Azlina*, A. Sivapragasam**, C.P. Tan*** and O.M. Lai****

    Key words: identity characteristic, quality characteristic, virgin coconut oil, contaminant

    AbstractA total of 0 virgin coconut oil (VCO) samples from Malaysian market were collected and analysed for their physico-chemical and quality characteristics. Two of the samples were produced using MARDIs technologies i.e. dry and wet processes. The remainders of the samples were produced either through natural fermentation or mechanical process. The analyses were divided based on physico-chemical characteristics and quality characteristics. As for the physico-chemical characteristic, eight types of analysis were performed i.e. relative density, refractive index, saponification value, iodine value, unsaponification matter, specific gravity, slip melting point and fatty acid composition. In addition, six types of analysis were carried out to determine the quality of the VCO. Physico-chemical characteristic analysis of all VCO samples fall within narrow ranges. However, for quality characteristics, some samples showed bad quality oil especially for the free fatty acid and peroxide value. The percentage of free fatty acid obtained from these samples were >0.5% and peroxide value >3 meq/kg. Total plate counts of most samples were zero. In terms of contaminants, copper, lead and arsenic were found to be below detectable levels except for iron. A few samples had high iron content (more than 5 mg/kg) which may enhance oxidative deterioration in the oil.

    *Biotechnology Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Serdang, P.O. Box 230, 50774 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia**Rice and Industrial Crops Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Serdang. P.O. Box 230, 50774 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia***Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia****Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, MalaysiaAuthors full names: Kamariah Long, Azmi Azali, Rosmawati Abdullah, Mary Goh Wai Ching, Azlina Mohd. Danial, Sivapragasam Annamalai, Tan Chin Ping and Lai Oi MingE-mail: [email protected] Agricultural Research and Development Institute 2008

    IntroductionVirgin coconut oil (VCO) is the miracle oil for health, beauty and strength. It has abundant utility in the functional foods, health foods, pharmaceuticals, nutriceuticals, infant foods and cosmoceuticals and thus has multifunctions and uses in human life. The health and benefits that can be derived

    from consuming VCO have been recognized in many parts of the world. One of the emerging applications of VCO is its medical use and functional benefit to human health. Coconut oil in its virgin form is clear in colour and has a distinct coconut flavour and aroma. VCO may mean the minimally processed product which has not undergone

  • 2Virgin coconut oil

    any further processing such as refining, bleaching and deodorization. It can be produced either from processing of fresh coconut meat, coconut milk, or coconut milk residue. VCO is known for its medium chain triglycerides (MCT) and high content of lauric acid (about 50%). In vitro studies showed that these medium chain fatty acids and its corresponding monoglycerides have antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral properties including human pathogens like herpes simplex virus and antiprotozoal (Kabara 978; Shibasaki and Kato 978; Welsh et al. 979; Thormar et al. 987; Isaacs et al. 995). Currently there are many types and brands of VCO available in the Malaysian market. Most of them were VCO from countries likes Indonesia and the Philippines where prices are relatively cheaper. They are produced either by natural fermentation or mechanical process. The fermentation process involves splitting the nut, grating the meat to fine particles, squeezing the milk either manually or mechanically with or without adding of water and allowing the milk to ferment for 3648 h. The skim milk at the bottom is discarded, the oil is filtered and the cream which contains part of the oil is gradually heated to further recover the oil. On the other hand, mechanical process uses minimal heat to quick-dry the coconut meat and the oil is pressed using coconut oil expeller. Methods which can separate the oil from the water include boiling, fermentation, refrigeration, enzyme and mechanical centrifugation. The quality and physico-chemical characteristics of the VCO produce are very much dependent on the process and the raw materials used. Because of the growing popularity of VCO, the price and demand for VCO has increased. There is also the possibility of oil adulteration in which VCO is blended with other oils to give a product of unknown and variable quality. It is thus essential that the physico-chemical and quality characteristic of the VCO be

    analysed to identify possible authentication. Such determinants will prevent incidences of VCO adulteration with cheaper oils as well as allowing enforcement of food regulations in Malaysia. VCO prices in the Malaysian market in 2006 are between RM20/20 ml and RM60/20 ml. This paper reports a survey on the physico-chemical and quality characteristic of VCO in the Malaysian market.

    Materials and methodsTen samples of VCO were selected and analysed for physical and chemical characteristics. Two samples of VCO namely A and B were produced using MARDIs technologies i.e. dry and wet processes. The remaining eight samples of VCO were purchased from suppliers in Malaysia and were coded as samples C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J. Samples C, D, E and J were produced through natural fermentation process whereas samples F, G, H and I were obtained through mechanical process. The relative density of the oil was measured at 25 C by using 50 ml pycnometer (with stopper fitted with calibrated thermometer) according to ISO/FDIS 6883 (2000). The refractive index of the oil was measured according to ISO/FDIS 6320 (999) at 40 C, using a refractometer equipped with sodium vapour lamp as light source. Refractive index of the oil was measured within the range nD= .3000 to .7000. The saponification value determination was determined as described in AOCS (997). Samples were saponified with 0.5 N potassium hydroxide solution. The samples were then titrated with 0.5 N hydrochloric acid with phenolphthalein solution as an indicator. Iodine value of oil samples was determined by Wijs method as described in PORIM (995). 0. N sodium thiosulphate solution was used to titrate the liberated iodine.

  • 3L. Kamariah, A. Azmi, A. Rosmawati, M.G. Wai Ching, M.D. Azlina, A. Sivapragasam, C.P. Tan and O.M. Lai

    Unsaponifiable matter in the oil was determined according to AOCS (997). Saponification of the oil was first done with ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution. Extraction of the unsaponifiable matter was then carried out with petroleum ether for at least six times. The specific gravity of oil sample was determined using 50 ml pycnometer (with stopper fitted with calibrated thermometer) as described in AOCS (997). Slip melting point of oil was determined using AOCS (997). Heat was increased at rate C/min to heat the oil sample in capillary tube. As the slip point was approached, the rate was slowed to 0.5 C/min. The temperature at which the oil in column rose was reported as the slip melting point. Fatty acid composition of VCO was determined using gas chromatography (GC Hewlett Packard 5890 Series II, SGE 30 m x 0.25 i.d. BPX5 column) with a FID detector according to the AOCS (997). Helium was the carrier gas. About 0.5 l sample was injected into the system at 200 C injector temperature. The oven was operated isothermally at 70 C for 2 min. The amount of free fatty acid present in oil sample was determined according to the method of Cocks and Van Rede (966) with slight changes. Five grammes of sample was weighed and titrated with 0.02 N sodium hydroxide solution using autotitrator (Mettler Toledo DL50) and end point titration was employed. The peroxide value of the VCO was determined according to PORIM (995). In this method, the liberated iodine is titrated with 0.0 N thiosulfate. Moisture content of oil was determined according to AOCS (997). Karl Fisher Mettler DL 38 Coulometer was used. End point titration was determined by Karl Fisher reagent. Insoluble impurities of oil were determined according to ISO 663 (992). Materials insoluble in petroleum ether were collected in Gooch crucible and were

    then weighed to determine the amount of insoluble impurities present in each oil sample. The colour of the oil was determined with a Lovibond tintometer (0 mm light path). Results were expressed in red and yellow values according to ISO/FDIS 5305 (998). Total viable count in oil sample was determined according to the method recommended by Messer et al. (984). About ml of oil sample was aseptically poured/spread onto a petridish containing plate agar (Oxoid). The oil sample was then mixed/spread immediately and was incubated at 32 C or 37 C for 48 h. Colony formed was then counted and expressed as cfu/ml. The content contaminant such as iron, copper and lead in oil sample was determined according to AACC (994) by using inductively couple plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP/OES). A calibration curve of concentration of iron, copper and lead (standard solution) against absorbance was plotted to determine the concentration of each element in test sample. The trace amount of arsenic in oil sample was determined according to AOAC (2005) by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) equipped with arsenic hollow cathode lamp and arsenic electrodeless discharge lamps. A calibration curve of concentration of arsenic (standard solution) against absorbance was plotted to determine the concentration of arsenic in test sample. The matter volatile at 05 C in oil sample was determined according to ISO 662 (998). The test sample was heated at 05 C until moisture and volatile matter were completely removed and the loss in mass was recorded. The result was expressed in percentage by mass.

    Results and discussionRelative densityThe density of vegetable oils is temperature dependent and decreases in value when

  • 4Virgin coconut oil

    temperature increases (Table 1). In this experiment, analysis was carried out at 20 C. The relative density of the VCO in this survey ranged from 0.985 to 0.994 with a standard deviation of 0.0003. The value obtained from this survey was very close to the Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) standard range (0.950.920).

    Refractive index (RI)The RI of the oil measures the extent to which a beam of light is refracted on passing from air into oil. This can be a useful characteristic in that the determination is carried out with ease, speed and precision, using small amounts of oil. The RI can also be used for establishing oil purity. It is generalized that the RIs of oils increase with increase in the number of double bonds. With increase in temperature, the RIs of oil decrease. The RI can also be influenced by oxidative damage of the oil. For VCO in this survey, the RI was measured at 40 C. This means RI was at .447 with a standard deviation of 0.000 (Table 1). The range of the RI was found to be very narrow from minimum .4467 to maximum .4472.

    Saponification value (SV)The SV is a measure of the free and esterified acids present in fats and oils. It measures the average molecular weight or equivalent weight of fatty materials in the oils. The range was minimum 258.8 to maximum 263.7 mg KOH/g oil with mean at 260.5 mg KOH/g and a standard deviation of .4428 (Table 1).

    Iodine Value (IV)The IV of oil is a measure of its total unsaturation. It is defined as the percentage by weight of which an oil or fatty acid will absorb halogens such as iodine under the test conditions. In palm oil, it is an important characteristic in determining the yield of olein during fractionation process. The mean IV of VCO was 6.% with minimum of 5.5% and maximum of 7.3%. Ta

    ble

    . Ph

    ysio

    -che

    mic

    al c

    hara

    cter

    istic

    s of v

    irgin

    coco

    nut o

    il

    Sam

    ple

    Rel

    ativ

    e R

    efra

    ctiv

    e Sa

    poni

    ficat

    ion

    Iodi

    ne

    Uns

    apon

    ifica

    tion

    Spec

    ific

    Slip

    mel

    ting

    de

    nsity

    in

    dex

    (at 40

    C)

    val

    ue (m

    g/g)

    val

    ue (%

    ) m

    atte

    r (%

    ) gr

    avity

    (at 3

    0 C)

    po

    int (

    C)

    A 0.

    990

    .

    4470

    25

    9.0

    6.

    0.5

    0 0.

    952

    24

    .8B

    0.

    992

    .

    4467

    26

    0.6

    5.6

    0.

    5 0.

    954

    24

    .7C

    0.9

    88

    .44

    72

    259.

    8 5.

    6 0.

    085

    0.9

    64

    24.9

    D

    0.9

    85

    .44

    7

    26.

    7.

    0.

    0

    0.9

    90

    25.0

    E 0.

    992

    .

    4472

    26

    0.2

    6.

    0.3

    5 0.

    995

    24

    .3F

    0.9

    94

    .44

    72

    259.

    9 5.

    7 0.

    0

    0.9

    80

    24.6

    G

    0.9

    89

    .44

    7

    260.

    2 7.

    3 0.

    0

    0.9

    95

    24.4

    H

    0.9

    90

    .44

    7

    26.

    9 5.

    7 0.

    00

    0.9

    82

    24.9

    I 0.

    990

    .

    447

    26

    3.7

    5.5

    0.3

    0 0.

    997

    25

    .0J

    0.9

    87

    .44

    70

    258.

    8 6.

    4 0.

    5

    0.9

    87

    24.9

    Valu

    e ra

    nge

    M

    in

    0.9

    85

    .44

    67

    258.

    8 5.

    5 0.

    085

    0.9

    52

    24.3

    M

    ax

    0.9

    94

    .44

    72

    263.

    7 7.

    3 0.

    35

    0.9

    97

    25.0

    Mea

    n

    SD

    0.

    990

    0

    .000

    3 .

    447

    0.0

    00

    260.

    5

    .44

    28

    6.

    0.6

    42

    0.

    6

    0.0

    84

    0.9

    80

    0.0

    07

    24.8

    0

    .246

  • 5L. Kamariah, A. Azmi, A. Rosmawati, M.G. Wai Ching, M.D. Azlina, A. Sivapragasam, C.P. Tan and O.M. Lai

    On the other hand, IV of VCO from Asian Pacific Coconut Council was between 4.% and .0%. The standard deviation of IV from this survey was 0.642. Sample G shown highest IV (7.3%) and lowest IV was sample I (IV 5.5%), VCO from Sabah.

    Unsaponifiable matterThe unsaponifiable matter of oil serves as a check for contamination by foreign materials such as mineral oils and damage to the oil by oxidation. Highly oxidized oils contain polymerized fatty acids which are extracted together with the unsaponifiable matter. The unsaponifiable components in VCO may include sterols, hydrocarbons (squalene, beta carotene), tocopherols and phenols. Coconut oil has a total of 47040 mg/kg sterols, 07 mg/kg tocopherol and 044 mg/kg tocotrienols (Firestone 2006). The average unsaponifiable matters for 0 samples were found to be 0.6 with a range from minimum of 0.085% to maximum 0.35% and a standard deviation of 0.084 (Table 1). VCO from sample A has the highest unsaponifiable matters (0.5%) compared with other VCO samples (~ 0.%).

    Slip melting point (SMP)This is an important characteristic of fatty compounds as it can be used for identification purposes and assessment of purity. The melting point or SMP of oil must be determined under strictly controlled conditions of sample pre-treatment and actual determination. The mean for SMP of VCO found in Malaysian market was 24.8 C with a range stretching from 24.3 to 25.0 C and a standard deviation of 0.246 C (Table 1).

    Fatty acid compositionVCO is characterized by its high level of lauric acid (C2), which ranged from 4750%. Other fatty acid composition include caproic acid (C6), caprylic acid (C8), caproic acid (C0), myristic acid (C4), palmitic acid (C6), stearic acid (C8), oleic acid (C8:) and finally linoleic acid (C8:2) (Table 2). Tabl

    e 2.

    Gas

    liqu

    id c

    hrom

    atog

    raph

    y ra

    nge

    of f

    atty

    aci

    d co

    mpo

    sitio

    n of v

    irgin

    coco

    nut o

    il

    Samp

    le C 6

    C 8

    C

    0 C

    2 C

    4 C

    6 C

    8 C

    8:

    C 8:2

    C

    8:3

    A 0.9

    3 8.8

    5 6.6

    7 49

    .8

    7.95

    7.8

    5 2.9

    3 4.8

    4 0.8

    0 ND

    B 0.8

    2 8.9

    0 6.5

    5 48

    .42

    8.07

    8.

    2 3.

    0 5.0

    9 0.9

    3 ND

    C 0.8

    7 8.4

    5 6.3

    0 47

    .08

    8.77

    9.0

    6 2.6

    3 5.9

    7 0.8

    7 ND

    D 0.8

    8 8.

    2 5.9

    6 47

    .25

    9.27

    8.7

    5 2.8

    8 5.8

    .0

    8 ND

    E 0.9

    8.6

    6.5

    6 48

    .73

    7.94

    7.9

    5 2.7

    9 5.4

    0 .

    ND

    F 0.9

    4 8.8

    3 6.8

    5 49

    .50

    7.72

    7.8

    6 2.7

    8 4.6

    7 0.8

    5 ND

    G 0.9

    3 8.5

    3 6.4

    9 48

    .05

    8.09

    8.4

    3 2.6

    7 5.5

    5 .2

    5 ND

    H 0.8

    5 8.7

    6.6

    3 48

    .85

    8.5

    8.

    3 2.9

    8 4.8

    3 0.8

    6 ND

    I 0.8

    8.7

    2 6.6

    2 49

    .5

    8.47

    8.

    0 2.8

    9 4.4

    6 0.7

    8 ND

    J 0.8

    5 8.4

    6 6.4

    6 48

    .04

    8.

    8.6

    2.6

    5 5.5

    7 .2

    6 ND

    Value

    rang

    e M

    in 0.8

    8.

    2 5.9

    6 47

    .08

    7.72

    7.8

    5 2.6

    3 4.4

    6 0.7

    8 ND

    M

    ax

    0.94

    8.90

    6.85

    49.50

    9

    .27

    9.06

    3.0

    5.97

    .26

    NDM

    ean

    SD

    0.88

    0.00

    47

    8.62

    0.23

    7

    6.5

    0.24

    07

    48.43

    0.

    867

    8

    .25

    0.46

    8.2

    9 0.

    4097

    2.8

    3 0.

    54

    5.2

    2 0.

    529

    0.9

    8 0.

    85

    ND

  • 6Virgin coconut oil

    It contains about 93% saturated fatty acids, 6% monounsaturated fatty acids and the rest is polyunsaturated fatty acids. The present survey show that more than 64% of its saturated fatty acids are medium chain fatty acids (C6C2), ~ 29% saturated long chain fatty acids (C4 C8) and 6.2% are unsaturated fatty acids which are the oleic acid (C8:) and linoleic acid (C8:2) (Table 2). Linolenic acid (C8:3) is not detectable in this survey.

    Free fatty acids (FFA)This is the most important characteristic of VCO quality used in sales and contracts. The FFA is an indication of the care taken during VCO production. The mean FFA value of VCO obtained from Malaysian market in the present survey was 0.38% with a range of 0.20 to .20% and a standard deviation of 0.3487% (Table 3). Range of free fatty acid in this survey was broader because of FFA content of sample G and H were at 0.78% and .90% respectively. These values are considered too high and may not be acceptable to buyers and can be considered as low quality VCO. The recommended minimum FFA value suggested by the Asian Pacific Coconut

    Council (APCC) standard ranges at 0.5% (Table 4).

    Moisture contentWater is very slightly soluble in oils and fats, and its presence is confined only to very small amount. The Karl Fischer titration method offers the best accuracy for determination of very small amounts of water (0.% and below) in oils and fats. In this survey the mean value for moisture content of VCO is in the region of 0.09% with ranging from 0.05% to 0.% and standard deviation of 0.02. The maximum moisture content of APCC standard range is 0.5% (Table 4).

    Insoluble impuritiesThe term refers to extraneous substances such as dirt, debris and fibres. They are defined as those substances which remain insoluble and can be filtered off after the oil is dissolved in a specific solvent such as petroleum. The level of impurities in each VCO sample was small and fall within a narrow range from 0.003% to 0.008%. The mean value insoluble impurities were at 0.005% and standard deviation of 0.004. The APPC standard range for moisture is in the region of 0.0.5% (Table 4).

    Table 3. Quality characteristic of virgin coconut oilSample Free fatty Peroxide Moisture Colour Insoluble Total plate acid (%) value contents impurities count (meq/kg) (%) (%) (cfu)A 0.4 0.7 0.07 0.R 0.5Y 0.008 0B 0. 0.2 0.05 0.R 0.5Y 0.006 0C 0.6 0.2 0. 0.R 0.3Y 0.005 0D 0.5 0.2 0. 0.R 0.3Y 0.006 0E 0.9 0.2 0. 0.R 0.3Y 0.006 0F 0.29 5.5 0.09 0.R 0.3Y 0.006 0G 0.78 0.8 0.09 0.R 0.5Y 0.005 0H 0.90 0.2 0.08 0.R 0.5 Y 0.003 0I 0.35 0.5 0. 0.R 0.3Y 0.004 0J .2 .4 0. 0.R 0.5Y 0.004 0Value range Min 0.2 0.2 0.05 0.R 0.3Y 0.003 0 Max .2 5.5 0. 0.R 0.5Y 0.008Mean SD 0.38 0.3487 0.99 .6326 0.09 0.02 0.R 0.5Y max 0.005 0.004 0

  • 7L. Kamariah, A. Azmi, A. Rosmawati, M.G. Wai Ching, M.D. Azlina, A. Sivapragasam, C.P. Tan and O.M. Lai

    Peroxide value (PV)Peroxide value gives an indication of the primary oxidation state of oil. One of the first products formed by oxidation of oil is a hydroperoxide. The most common method for determining oxidation is by measurement of PV. The test is based on the ability to liberate iodine from potassium iodide. Although the method is highly empirical, it is good guide to the quality of the VCO. A freshly refined oil should have nil PV. The peroxide value of most samples were within the range given by APCC standard 3 meq/kg (Table 4). However, sample F was

    found to have PV out of range, 5.5 meq/kg. Most probably these samples have been stored for a long time.

    ColourCoconut oil in its virgin form is clear in colour with distinct coconut flavour and aroma. It is obtained from the mature kernel of the coconut (Cocos nucifera L) by mechanical or natural means with or without the application of minimal heat. High heat exposure during deodorization process (230 C) normally will lead to polymerization and consequently the oil will

    Table 4. Identity and quality characteristics of VCO found in Malaysia market compared with APCC standard range

    Malaysia market range APCC standard rangeIdentity characteristicRelative density 0.985 0.992 0.950 0.9200Refractive index .4467 .4472 .4480 .4492Moisture (%) 0.0500 0.00 0.000 0.5000Saponification value (mg/g) 258.80 263.70 250.00 260.00Iodine value (%) 5.5000 7.000 4.000 .000Unsaponifiable matter (%) 0.0850 0.500 0.2000 0.5000Specific gravity at 30 C 0.952 0.997 0.950 0.9200Slip melting point (C) 24.300 25.000 Gas liquid chromatography range of fattyacid composition (%)Caproic acid C6:0 0.80 0.95 0.40 0.60Caprylic acid C8:0 8.00 9.00 5.00 0.0Capric acid C0:0 5.00 7.00 4.50 8.00Lauric acid C2:0 47.0 50.0 43.0 53.0Myristic acid C4:0 7.0 8.5 6.0 2.0Palmitic acid C6:0 7.50 9.50 7.50 0.0Stearic acid C8:0 2.50 3.50 2.00 4.00Oleic acid C8: 4.50 6.00 5.00 0.0Linoleic acid C8:2 0.70 .50 .00 2.50Linolenic acid C8:3 ND

  • 8Virgin coconut oil

    turn yellow (Plate 1). Colour of VCO in this survey was in range of 0. Red and 0.5 Yellow Max.

    Total plate countThis is a very important analysis in determining good quality VCO. Occasionally, very limited number of microbes can grow on oils and fats because of the limited amount of water present. However, it is necessary for producers to have good manufacturer practices (GMP) as VCO is being directly consumed from the bottle without any treatments e.g. heat. Result from analysis showed that most

    samples had zero or less than 0 colony forming unit (cfu) (Table 3).

    Trace metalsTrace metals in VCO may originate from soil and fertilizers or contaminants from the processing equipment and also during storage. Thus trace metals may be picked up along the production line. The presence of trace metals could also be attributed to the presence of suspended solid impurities in the oil (Yeoh 976). Oxidatively stable oils contain minimal amounts of trace metals. Cu and Fe are known prooxidants as they catalyse the decomposition of hydroperoxides in oil to free radicals. Of the two metals, Cu is more potent being 0 times more active than Fe. The mean level of Cu content in this survey was below detectable level (

  • 9L. Kamariah, A. Azmi, A. Rosmawati, M.G. Wai Ching, M.D. Azlina, A. Sivapragasam, C.P. Tan and O.M. Lai

    VCO samples from G and J were exposed to oxidation during handling and/or storage. The APCC standard range of iron in VCO was at 5mg/kg (Table 4).

    ConclusionOverall, the identity and quality characteristics of VCO sold in Malaysian market were comparable to APCC standard range. However, the qualities of two VCO samples were bad because of high FFA and high PV content. Obviously, arsenic, lead and copper were not detectable in all VCO samples. Although the sample size was small i.e. only involved 0 samples, it is actually representative samples from different regions and different methods of producing. Consequently, we hope the results obtained from this survey could be used as a guideline to develop a draft for Malaysian VCO standard.

    ReferencesAACC (994). Inorganic constituents. In: American

    Association of Cereal Chemist. St Paul, Minnesota, USA: American Association of Cereal Chemist, Inc.

    AOAC (2005). Metal and other element at trace levels in foods. In: Official methods of analysis. 7th ed. Washington D.C.: AOAC International

    AOCS (997). Official method and recommended practices of AOCS. F. 5th ed. Washington D.C.: US FDA

    Cocks, L.V. and Van Rede C. (966). Laboratory hand book for oil and fat analyses. p. 6668, 305309. London: Academic Press

    Firestone, D. (2006) Characteristics of oils and fats of plant origin. In: Physical and chemical characteristics of oils, fats and waxes, 2nd ed., p. 4546. Washington DC: AOCS Press

    Isaacs, C.E., Litov, R.E. and Thormar, H (995). Antimicrobial activity of lipids added to human milk, infant formula and bovine milk. Nutrional Biochemistry 6: 362366

    ISO 663 (992). Animal and vegetable fats and oils Determination of insoluble impurities content. In: International Standard: Agricultural food products, Animal and vegetable fats and oils. 2nd ed. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization of Standard

    ISO 662 (998). Animal and vegetable fats and oils determination of moisture and volatile matter content. In: International Standard: Agricultural food products, animal and vegetable fats and oils. 2nd ed. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization of Standard

    ISO/FDIS 5305 (998). Animal and vegetable fats and oils determination of Lovibond Colour. In: International Standard: Agricultural food products, animal and vegetable fats and oils. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization of Standard

    ISO/FDIS 6320 (999). Animal and vegetable fats and oils determination of refractive index. In: International Standard: Agricultural food products, animal and vegetable fats and oils. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization of Standard

    ISO/FDIS 6883 (2000). Animal and vegetable fats and oils determination of conventional mass per volume (litre weight in air). In: International Standard: Agricultural food products, animal and vegetable fats and oils. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization of Standard

    Kabara, J.J. (978). Fatty acids and derivatives as antimicrobial agents. In: The Pharmacological effect of lipids, p. 4. Champaign: American Oil Chemists Society

    Messer, J.W., Peeler, J.T. and Gilchrist, E. (984). Aerobic plate count. In: Bacteriological analytical manual of the Division of Microbiological Center for food safety and applied nutrition U.S. Food and Drug Administration. p. 4.0 4.03. 6th ed. New York: Association of Official Analytical Chemist

    PORIM (995). Method of test for palm oil and oil products. In: PORIM test method. Vol . Kuala Lumpur: Palm Oil Research Institue of Malaysia

    Shibasaki, I. and Kato, N. (978). Combined effects on anti-bacterial activity of fatty acids and their esters against gram-negative. In: The Pharmalogical effect of lipids. (Kabara, J.J., ed.), p. 523. Champaign: American Oil Chemists Society

    Thormar, H., Isaacs, C., Brown, H.R., Barshatzky, M.R. and Pessolano, T. (987). Inactivation of enveloped viruses and killing of cells by fatty acids and monoglycerides. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 31: 273

  • 0

    Virgin coconut oil

    Welsh, J.K., Arsenakis, M., Coelen, R.J. and May, J T. (979). Effect of antiviral lipids, heat and freezing on the activity of viruses in human milk. Journal of Infectious disease 140: 322328

    AbstrakSejumlah 0 sampel minyak kelapa dara yang terdapat di pasaran Malaysia telah dikumpulkan dan dikenal pasti ciri-ciri dan kualitinya. Dua daripada sampel tersebut telah dihasilkan dengan menggunakan teknologi MARDI iaitu secara proses kering dan basah. Sampel yang selebihnya dihasilkan sama ada melalui proses fermentasi secara semula jadi atau melalui proses mekanikal. Analisis dibahagikan kepada dua iaitu mengenal pasti ciri-ciri dan kualiti minyak kelapa dara. Bagi mengenal pasti ciri-ciri, lapan jenis analisis telah dijalankan iaitu ketumpatan relatif, indeks refraktif, nilai penyabunan, nilai iodin, bahan bukan penyabunan, graviti khusus, titik gelincir cair dan komposisi asid lemak. Sementara itu, enam jenis analisis telah dijalankan untuk mengenal pasti kualiti minyak kelapa dara. Ciri-ciri kimia fizikal bagi semua sampel menunjukkan ciri yang hampir sama. Walau bagaimanapun, dari aspek kualiti sebahagian sampel menunjukkan kualiti yang rendah terutamanya asid lemak bebas dan nilai peroksida. Peratusan asid lemak bebas yang diperoleh daripada sampel tersebut melebihi 0.5% dan nilai peroksida melebihi 3 meq/kg. Tiada pertumbuhan koloni dikesan. Dari aspek pencemaran, kandungan plumbum, kuprum dan arsenik didapati berada di bawah aras yang dibenarkan kecuali ferum. Terdapat beberapa sampel yang menunjukkan kandungan ferum yang tinggi (melebihi 5 mg/kg) yang mungkin menyebabkan kerosakan pada minyak akibat daripada proses pengoksidaan.

    Accepted for publication on 12 August 2008

    Yeoh, G.H. (976). A study on the nature and effect of iron contamination in plam oil. Proc. of Malaysian international symposium on palm oil processing and marketing, (Theme: International development in palm oil). Kuala Lumpur: Incorporated Society of Planters