1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 1
This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents
►B COMMISSIONREGULATION(EEC)No2568/91
of11July1991
onthecharacteristics ofolive oilandolive-residue oilandontherelevantmethodsofanalysis
(OJ L 248, 5.9.1991, p. 1)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
►M1Commission Regulation (EEC) No 3682/91 of 17 December 1991 L 349 36 18.12.1991
►M2Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1429/92 of 26 May 1992 L 150 17 2.6.1992
►M3Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1683/92 of 29 June 1992 L 176 27 30.6.1992
►M4Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1996/92 of 15 July 1992 L 199 18 18.7.1992
►M5Commission Regulation (EEC) No 3288/92 of 12 November 1992 L 327 28 13.11.1992
►M6Commission Regulation (EEC) No 183/93 of 29 January 1993 L 22 58 30.1.1993
►M7 amended by Commission Regulation (EEC) No 826/93 of 6 April
1993L 87 6 7.4.1993
►M8Commission Regulation (EEC) No 620/93 of 17 March 1993 L 66 29 18.3.1993
►M9Commission Regulation (EC) No 177/94 of 28 January 1994 L 24 33 29.1.1994
►M10Commission Regulation (EC) No 2632/94 of 28 October 1994 L 280 43 29.10.1994
►M11Commission Regulation (EC) No 656/95 of 28 March 1995 L 69 1 29.3.1995
Corrected by:
►C1Corrigendum, OJ L 347, 28.11.1992, p. 69 (2568/91)
►C2Corrigendum, OJ L 176, 20.7.1993, p. 26 (183/93)
▼B
COMMISSIONREGULATION(EEC)No2568/91
of11July1991
on the characteristics of olive oil and olive-residue oil and on the
relevantmethodsofanalysis
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European EconomicCommunity,
Having regard to Council Regulation No 136/66/EEC of 22 September
1966 on the establishment of a common organization of the market inoilsand fats (
1), aslas t amended by Regulation (EEC) No 3577/90(2),
and in particular Article 35a thereof,
Whereasthe Annex to Regulation No 136/66/EEC containsthe des crip-
tionsand definitionsof olive oil and olive-res idue oil marketed withineach Member State, in intra-Community trade and in trade with thirdcountries;
Whereas, for the purpose of differentiating between the various types
of oil, the physical and chemical characteristics of each of them andthe organoleptic characteristics of virgin oil should be defined, in order
to guarantee the purity and quality of the productsconcerned, without
prejudice to other existing provisions;
Whereas the presence of the characteristics of the different types of oil
should be determined uniformly throughout the Community; whereas,
to that end, Community methodsof chemical analys isand organolepticevaluation should be established; whereas the use should be permitted,for a transitional period, of other methods of analysis applied in theMember States provided that where there is a difference in the results,
those obtained using the common method will be decisive;
Whereas the definition of the physical and chemical characteristics of
olive oil and of the methodsof analys isentailsthe amendment of the
additional notesto Chapter 15 of the combined nomenclature;
Whereasthe method of evaluating the organoleptic characteris ticsof
virgin oil includes the setting up of panels of selected and trained
tasters; whereas the period necessary for establishing such a structure
should therefore be fixed; whereas in view of the difficulties thatsome Member States will encounter in setting up panels of tasters, theuse of panels in other Member States should be authorized;
Whereas, in order to ensure that the system of levies applicable to
imports of olive residues functions correctly, a single method for thedetermination of the oil content of these products should be laid down;
Whereas, in order not to harm trade, provision should be made for oil
packaged prior to the entry into force of this Regulation to be disposedof during a limited period;
Whereas it is necessary to repeal Commission Regulation (EEC)
No 1058/77(
3), aslas t amended by Regulation (EEC) No 1858/88(4);
Whereasthe Management Committee for Oilsand Fatshasnot deliv-
ered an opinion within the time limit set by its chairman,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Article 1
1. Oils, the characteristics of which comply with those set out in
points1, 2 and 3 of Annex I to thisRegulation, s hall be deemed to be1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 2
(1) OJ No 172, 30. 9. 1966, p. 3025/66.
(2) OJ No L 353, 17. 12. 1990, p. 23.
(3) OJ No L 128, 24. 5. 1977, p. 6.
(4) OJ No L 166, 1. 7. 1988, p. 10.
▼B
virgin olive oil within the meaning of point 1 (a), (b) and (c) of the
Annex to Regulation No 136/66/EEC.
2. Oil, the characteristics of which comply with those set out in
point 4 of Annex I to thisRegulation, s hall be deemed to be lampante
virgin olive oil within the meaning of point 1 (d) of the Annex to
Regulation No 136/66/EEC.
3. Oil, the characteristics of which comply with those set out in
point 5 of Annex I to thisRegulation, s hall be deemed to be refinedolive oil within the meaning of point 2 of the Annex to RegulationNo 136/66/EEC.
4. Oil, the characteristics of which comply with those set out in
point 6 of Annex I to thisRegulation, s hall be deemed to be pure olive
oil within the meaning of point 3 of the Annex to Regulation No 136/66/EEC.
5. Oil, the characteristics of which comply with those set out in
point 7 of Annex I to thisRegulation, s hall be deemed to be olive-residue oil within the meaning of point 4 of the Annex to RegulationNo 136/66/EEC.
6. Oil, the characteristics of which comply with those set out in
point 8 of Annex I to thisRegulation, s hall be deemed to be refined
olive-residue oil within the meaning of point 5 of the Annex to Regu-lation No 136/66/EEC.
7. Oil, the characteristics of which comply with those set out in
point 9 of Annex I to thisRegulation, s hall be deemed to be olive-residue oil within the meaning of point 6 of the Annex to RegulationNo 136/66/EEC.
Article 2
1. The characteristics of the oils laid down in Annex I shall be
determined in accordance with the methods of analysis set out below:
— for the determination of the free fatty acids, expressed as the
percentage of oleic acid, the method set out in Annex II,
— for the determination of the peroxide index, the method set out in
Annex III,
— for the determination of aliphatic alcohols, the method set out in
Annex IV,
— for the determination of the sterol content, the method set out in
Annex V,
— for the determination of erythrodiol and uvaol, the method set out
in Annex VI,
— for the determination of the saturated fatty acids in position 2 of the
triglyceride, the method set out in Annex VII,
— for the determination of the trilinolein content, the method set out
in Annex VIII,
— for spectrophotometric analysis, the method set out in Annex IX,
— for the determination of the fatty acid composition, the method set
out in Annex X A and X B,
— for the determination of the volatile halogenated solvents, the
method set out in Annex XI,
— for the evaluation of the organoleptic characteristics of virgin olive
oil, the method set out in Annex XII,
— for proof that refining hastaken place, the method s et out in Annex
XIII,
— for the determination of stigmastadienes, the method set out in
Annex XVII.
2. Evaluation of the organoleptic characteristics shall be carried out
by►
M3an analyst specializing in sensory analysis or assisted by
specialists ◄, according to the procedure described in the tasting notes
referred to in Annex XII. Where analysis shows different characteris-1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 3
▼M11
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tics to those resulting from the description of the product, the sample
must be examined by a panel of tasters in accordance with the provi-sions of Annex XII.
Any second analysis shall be carried out by the panel according to the
said provisions.
In order to ascertain the organoleptic characteristics in connection with
operations relating to the intervention system, the panel of tasters willcarry out thisevaluation in accordance with the provis ionsof Annex
XII.
Article 3
Until►
M628 February 1993 ◄, the introduction of the analysis
methods provided for in Article 2 shall not impede the use by theMember States of other tested and scientifically valid methods,provided that productsrecognized ascomplying with the rulesin force
governing Community methodss hall be allowed to move freely. Before
using other methods, the Member States concerned shall notify them tothe Commission.
Where one of the other methodsproducesa res ult different from that
produced by the common method, the result obtained by the latter
method shall be determinant.
Article 3a
Where a dispute arises over the organoleptic characteristics of an oil
being traded, the partiesconcerned may refer the matter to an approved
tasting panel of their choice.
Article 3b
Where it isfound that the organoleptic characteris ticsof an oil do not
correspond to its description, the Member State concerned shall,without prejudice to any other penalties, apply administrative financialpenalities, to be determined in the light of the seriousness of the irre-
gularity detected.
In assessing the irregularity, attention shall be paid in particular to
natural changesin the characteris ticsof an oil kept under normalconditions.
At the beginning of each half-year, the Member Statess hall inform the
Commission of the number and type of irregularities detected and the
penaltiesapplied during the previoushalf-year.
Article 4
1. For the purpose of assessing organoleptic characteristics, the
Member States shall set up panels of tasters responsible for officialchecks on these characteristics. The panels shall comply with the
following conditions:
— they shall consist of tasters selected and trained in accordance with
the ruleslaid down for the method s et out in Annex XII,
— they shall possess the facilities and equipement required to carry
out organoleptic assessments in accordance with the rules laiddown for that method,
— they shall use the vocabulary specific to the sensory analysis of oliv
oil, the profile sheet and the grading table laid down for that
method,
— they shall undertake to carry out the organoleptic assessments
required at Community or international level at the time of periodictests and at sessions for harmonizing criteria,
— they shall undertake to provide the Commission annually with all
information on changesin the members hip of panelsand thenumber of assessments carried out as approved panels.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 4
▼M5
▼M5
Each Member State shall approve panels meeting the above criteria and
set up on its territory. It shall designate one of those panels to conductrevisions of analyses.
Panelss et up by the Member Statesprior to 1 November 1992 in
accordance with the ruleslaid down for the method s et out in Annex
XII shall be considered as approved within the meaning of this Article.
Each Member State shall notify the Commission and the other Member
States of the list of approved panels.
2. Where Member States encounter difficulties in setting up tasting
panelsin their territory, they may call on a tas ting panel approved inanother Member State.
3. Each Member State draw up a list of tasting panels set up by
professional or inter-branch organizations in accordance with the condi-tions laid down in paragraph 1 and shall ensure that those conditions
are complied with.
Article 5
Additional notes2, 3 and 4 to Chapter 15 of the combined nomencla-
ture set out in Annex I to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87(
1) are
replaced by the text set out in Annex XIV to this Regulation.
Article 6
1. The oil content of oil cake and other residues resulting from the
extraction of olive oil (CN codes2306 90 11 and 2306 90 19) s hall bedetermined using the method set out in Annex XV.
2. The oil content referred to in paragraph 1 shall be expressed as a
percentage of the weight of oil to the weight of dry matter.
Article 7
The Community provisions concerning the presence of undesirable
substances, other than those referred to in Annex XI, shall apply.
Article 8
1. Member States shall notify the Commission of the measures taken
to implement thisRegulation.
2. Member States shall send the Commission, at the beginning of
each half-year, a statement of the analytical data relating to the testscarried out during the previoushalf-year.
The results shall be considered by the Management Committee for Oils
and Fatsin accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 39 ofRegulation No 136/66/EEC.
Article 9
Regulation (EEC) No 1058/77 ishereby repealed.
Article 10
1. ThisRegulation s hall enter into force on the third day following
itspublication in the Official Journal of the European Communities .
However, the method set out in Annex XII shall apply from ►
M11
November 1992 ◄,except in so far as operations relating to the inter-
vention system are concerned .1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 5
(1) OJ No L 256, 7. 9. 1987, p. 1.▼M6
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▼M5
That method shall not apply to virgin olive oil prepared for the market
prior to 1 November 1992.
2. This Regulation shall not apply to olive oil and olive-residue oil
packaged before the entry into force of thisRegulation and marketedup to 31 October 1992.
ThisRegulation s hall be binding in itsentirety and directly applicable
in all Member States.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 6
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ANNEXES
Summary
Annex I: Characteristics of olive oil …
Annex II: Determination of the free fatty acids…
Annex III: Determination of the peroxide value …Annex IV: ►
M6Determination of wax content by capillary column gas-
liquid chromatography ◄…
Annex V: Determination of the composition and content of sterols by
capillary-column gaschromatography …
Annex VI: Determination of erythrodiol and uvaol …Annex VII: Determination of the saturated fatty acids in position 2 of the
triglyceride …
Annex VIII: Determination of composition of trilinolein …Annex IX: Spectrophotometric investigation in the ultraviolet …
Annex XA: Analysis by gas chromatography of methyl esters of fatty acids
…
Annex XB: Preparation of methyl esters of fatty acids …
Annex XI: Determination of the volatile halogenated solvents of olive oil
…
Annex XII: Organoleptic assessment of virgin olive oil …
Annex XIII: ►
M6Neutralization and decolorization of olive oil in the
laboratory ◄…
Annex XIV: Additional Notes2, 3 and 4 to Chapter 15 of the combined
nomenclature …
Annex XV: Oil content of olive residue …
Annex XVI: Determination of iodine value …
Annex XVII: Determination of stigmastadienes in vegetable oils …1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 7
▼M11
ANNEX I
CHARACTERISTICSOFOLIVEOIL
TypeAcidity
% meqPeroxide
value
meq O2/kgHaloge-
nated
solvents
mg/kg (1)Waxes
mg/kgSaturated
fatty acids
in
position 2
trigly-
ceride
%Stigma
stadiene-
s(2)
mg/kgErytrodiol
+ uvaol
%Trilinolein
%Choles-
terol
%Brassicas-
terol
%Campes-
terol
%Stigma-
terol
%Betasitos-
terol (3)
%Delta-7-
Stigmas-
tenol
%Total
sterols
mg/kg
1. Extra virgin olive
oil M 1,0 M 20 M 0,20 M 250 M 1,3 M 0,15 M 4,5 M 0,5 M 0,5 M 0,1 M 4,0 < Camp. m 93,0 M 0,5 m 1000
2. Virgin olive oil M 2,0 M 20 M 0,20 M 250 M 1,3 M 0,15 M 4,5 M 0,5 M 0,5 M 0,1 M 4,0 < Camp. m 93,0 M 0,5 m 10003. Ordinary olive oil M 3,3 M 20 M 0,20 M 250 M 1,3 M 0,15 M 4,5 M 0,5 M 0,5 M 0,1 M 4,0 < Camp. m 93,0 M 0,5 m 10004. Virgin lampante
olive oil m 3,3 m 20 m 0,20 M 350 M 1,3 M 0,50 M 4,5 M 0,5 M 0,5 M 0,1 M 4,0 — m 93,0 M 0,5 m 1000
5. Refined olive oil M 0,5 M 5 M 0,20 M 350 M 1,5 M 4,5 M 0,5 M 0,5 M 0,1 M 4,0 < Camp. m 93,0 M 0,5 m 10006. Olive oil M 1,5 M 15 M 0,20 M 350 M 1,5 M 4,5 M 0,5 M 0,5 M 0,1 M 4,0 < Camp. m 93,0 M 0,5 m 10007. Crude olive-
residue oil m 2,0 — — — M 1,8 m 12 M 0,7 M 0,5 M 0,1 M 4,0 — m 93,0 M 0,5 m 2500
8. Refined olive-
residue oil M 0,5 M 5 M 0,20 — M 2,0 m 12 M 0,6 M 0,5 M 0,1 M 4,0 < Camp. m 93,0 M 0,5 m 1800
9. Olive residue oil M 1,5 M 15 M 0,20 >350 M 2,0 >4,5 M 0,6 M 0,5 M 0,1 M 4,0 < Camp. m 93,0 M 0,5 m 1600
M = maximum, m = minimum.
(1) Overall upper limit for compoundsdetected by electron capture detector. For componentsdetected individually the upper limit is0,10 mg/kg.
(2) Sum of isomers that could be (or not) separated by capillary colum.
(3) Delta-5-23-stigmastadienol + clerosterol + sitosterol + sitostanol + delta-5-avenasterol + delta-5-24 stigmastadienol.
Note:
An oil is to be rejected if any one of the characteristics lies outside the limit laid down.▼M111991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 8
TypeAcidic composition
Sum (of
the) transo-
leic isomersSum (of
the) transo-
linoleic and
translino-
lenic
isomers
%K232K270K270with
aluminium
oxideDelta-K Panel testMyristic
%Linolenic
%Arachic
%Eicosenoic
%Behenic
%Lignoceric
%
1. Extra virgin olive oil M 0,05 M 0,9 M 0,6 M 0,4 M 0,2 M 0,2 M 0,05 M 0,05 M 2,50 M 0,20 M 0,10 M 0,01 m 6,5
2. Virgin olive oil M 0,05 M 0,9 M 0,6 M 0,4 M 0,2 M 0,2 M 0,05 M 0,05 M 2,60 M 0,25 M 0,10 M 0,01 m 5,53. Ordinary olive oil M 0,05 M 0,9 M 0,6 M 0,4 M 0,2 M 0,2 M 0,05 M 0,05 M 2,60 M 0,25 M 0,10 M 0,01 m 3,5
4. Virgin lampante olive
oil M 0,05 M 0,9 M 0,6 M 0,4 M 0,2 M 0,2 M 0,10 M 0,10 M 3,70 M 0,25 M 0,11 — < 3,5
5. Refined olive oil M 0,05 M 0,9 M 0,6 M 0,4 M 0,2 M 0,2 M 0,20 M 0,30 M 3,40 M 1,20 — M 0,16 —6. Olive oil M 0,05 M 0,9 M 0,6 M 0,4 M 0,2 M 0,2 M 0,20 M 0,30 M 3,30 M 1,00 — M 0,13 —7. Crude olive-residue
oil M 0,05 M 0,9 M 0,6 M 0,4 M 0,3 M 0,2 M 0,20 M 0,10 —————
8. Refined olive-residue
oil M 0,05 M 0,9 M 0,6 M 0,4 M 0,3 M 0,2 M 0,42 M 0,35 M 5,50 M 2,50 — M 0,25 —
9. Olive-residue oil M 0,05 M 0,9 M 0,6 M 0,4 M 0,3 M 0,2 M 0,20 M 0,35 M 5,30 M 2,00 — M 0,20 —
M = maximum, m = minimum.
Note:
An oil is to be rejected if any one of the characteristics lies outside the limit laid down.
For the purpose of establishing purity, where K270exceeds the limit for the category concerned, it shall be determined again after passage over alumina.▼M111991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 9
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ANNEX II
DETERMINATIONOFTHEFREEFATTYACIDS
1. DETERMINATION OF ACIDITY
The determination of free fatty acidsin olive oils . The content of free
fatty acids is expressed as acidity calculated conventionally.
1.1.Principle
A sample is dissolved in a mixture of solvents and the free fatty acids
present titrated using an ethanolic solution of potassium hydroxide.
1.2.Reagents
All the reagentss hould be of recognized analytical quality and the water
used either distilled or of equivalent purity.
1.2.1.►C1Diethyl ether ◄; 95 % ethanol (v/v), mixture of equal partsby
volume.
Note:►C1Diethyl ether ◄ishighly inflammable and may form
explosive peroxides. Special care should be taken in its use.
Neutralize precisely at the moment of use with the potassium hydroxide
solution (1.2.2), with the addition of 0,3 ml of the phenolpthalein solution
(1.2.3) per 100 ml of mixture.
Note:If it is not possible to use ►C1diethyl ether ◄, a mixture of
solvents containing ethanol and toluene may be used. If necessary,
ethanol may be replaced by propanol-2.
1.2.2. Potassium hydroxide, titrated ethanolic solution, c(KOH) about 0,1 mol/l
or, if necessary, c(KOH) about 0,5 mol/l.
The exact concentration of the ethanolic solution of potassium hydroxide
must be known and checked immediately prior to use. Use a solution
prepared at least five days before use and decanted into a brown glass
bottle with a rubber stopper. The solution should be colourless or straw
coloured.
Note:A stable colourless solution of potassium hydroxide may be
prepared asfollows . Bring to the boil 1 000 ml of ethanol with 8 g
of potassium hydroxide and 0,5 g of aluminium shavings and
continue boiling under reflux for one hour. Distill immediately.
Dissolve in the distillate the required quantity of potassium hydro-
xide. Leave for several days and decant the clear supernatant liquid
from the precipitate of potassium carbonate.
The solution may also be prepared without distillation as follows:
to 1 000 ml of ethanol add 4 ml of aluminium butylate and leave
the mixture for several days. Decant the supernatant liquid and
dissolve the required quantity of potassium hydroxide. The solu-
tion isready for us e.
1.2.3. Phenolphthalein, 10 g/l solution in 95 to 96 % ethanol (v/v) or alkaline
blue, (in the case of strongly coloured fats) 20 g/l solution in 95 to 96 %
ethanol (v/v).
1.3.Apparatus
Usual laboratory equipment including:
1.3.1. analytical balance;1.3.2. 250 ml conical flask;1.3.3. 10 ml burette, graduated in 0,05 ml.
1.4.Procedure
1.4.1. Preparation of the specimen for testing
(Carry out the test on the filtered sample. Where moisture and impurities
together are less than 1 %, use the specimen without further treatment;
where they exceed 1 %, it should be filtered.)
1.4.2. Taking the sample1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 10
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Take a sample depending on the presumed acid number in accordance
with the following table:
Expected acid valueMass of sample
(g)Weighing accuracy
(g)
< 1 20 0,05
1 to 4 10 0,024 to 15 2,5 0,01
15 to 75 0,5 0,001
> 75 0,1 0,0002
Weigh the sample in the conical flask (1.3.2).
1.4.3. Determination
Dissolve the sample (1.4.2) in 50 to 150 ml of the previously neutralized
mixture of diethyl ►
C1ether◄and ethanol (1.2.1).
Titrate while stirring with the 0,1 mol/l solution of potassium hydroxide
(1.2.2) (see Note 2) until the indicator changes (the pink colour of the
phenolphtalein persists for at least 10 seconds).
Note 1. The titrated ethanolic solution of potassium hydroxide (1.2.2)
may be replaced by an aqueous solution of potassium or sodium
hydroxide provided that the volume of water introduced doesnot
induce phase separation.
Note 2. If the quantity of 0,1 mol/l potassium hydroxide solution required
exceeds 10 ml, use the 0,5 mol/l solution.
Note 3. If the solution becomes cloudy during titration, add enough of
the solvents (1.2.1) to give a clear solution.
1.5.Acidity:expressedaspercentageofoleic acid
Acidity asa percentage by weight isequal to:
V/C2c/C2M
1000/C2100
m¼V/C2c/C2M
10/C2m
where:
V = the volume of titrated potassium hydroxide solution used, in milli-
litres;
c = the exact concentration in molesper litre of the titrated s olution of
potassium hydroxide used;
M = the molar weight in grams per mole of the acid used to express the
result (= 282);
m = the weight in gramsof the s ample.
Take asthe res ult, the arithmetic mean ►M6of two calculations ◄
carried out.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 11
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ANNEX III
DETERMINATIONOFPEROXIDEVALUE
1. SCOPE
ThisStandard des cribesa method for the determination of the peroxide
value of oilsand fats .
2. FIELD OF APPLICATION
ThisStandard isapplicable to animal and vegetable oilsand fats .
3. DEFINITION
The peroxide value is the quantity of those substances in the sample,
expressed in terms of milliequivalents of active oxygen per kilogram,
which oxidize potassium iodide under the operating conditions described.
4. PRINCIPLE
Treatment of the test portion, in solution in acetic acid and chloroform, by
a solution of potassium iodide. Titration of the liberated iodine with stan-
dardized sodium thiosulphate solution.
5. APPARATUS
All the equipment used shall be free from reducing or oxidizing substances.
Note:Do not grease ground surfaces.
5.1. 3 ml glass scoop.5.2. Flasks, with ground necks and stoppers, of about 250 ml capacity, dried
beforehand and filled with a pure, dry inert gas(nitrogen or, preferably,
carbon dioxide).
5.3. 25- or 50-ml burette, graduated in 0,1 ml.
6. REAGENTS
6.1. Chloroform, analytical reagent quality, freed from oxygen by bubbling a
current of pure, dry inert gasthrough it.
6.2. Glacial acetic acid, analytical reagent quality, freed from oxygen by
bubbling a current of pure, ►
C1dry inert gas ◄through it.
6.3. Potassium iodide, saturated aqueous solution, recently prepared, free from
iodine and iodates.
6.4. Sodium thiosulphate, 0,01 or 0,002 ►C1Mol/L accurately ◄standar-
dized aqueous solution, standardized just before use.
6.5. Starch solution, 10 g/l aqueous dispersion, recently prepared from natural
soluble starch.
7. SAMPLE
Take care that the sample is taken and stored away from the light, kept
cold and contained in completely filled glass containers, hermetically
sealed with ground-glass or cork stoppers.
8. PROCEDURE
The test shall be carried out in diffuse daylight or in artificial light. Weigh
in a glass scoop (5.1) or, failing this, in a flask (5.2), to the nearest 0,001 g,
a mass of the sample in accordance with the following table, according to
the expected peroxide value:1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 12
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Expected peroxide value
(meq)Weight of test portion
(g)
0 to 12 5,0 to 2,0
12 to 20 2,0 to 1,220 to 30 1,2 to 0,830 to 50 0,8 to 0,5
50 to 90 0,5 to 0,3
Unstopper a flask (5.2) and introduce the glass scoop containing the test
portion. Add 10 ml of chloroform (6.1). Dissolve the test portion rapidly
by stirring. Add 15 ml of acetic acid (6.2), then 1 ml of potassium iodide
solution (6.3). Insert the stopper quickly, shake for one minute, and leave
for exactly five minutesaway from the light at a temperature from 15 to
25 ºC.
Add about 75 ml of distilled water. Titrate the liberated iodine with the
sodium thiosulphate solution ►
C1(6.4) (0,002 Mol/L solution for
expected values less than 12, and 0,01 Mol/L solution ◄for expected
values above 12) shaking vigorously, using starch solution (6.5) as indi-
cator.
Carry out two determinations on the same test sample.
Carry out simultaneously a blank test. If the result of the blank exceeds
0,05 ml of ►C10,01 mol/L sodium ◄thiosulphate solution (6.4), replace
the impure reagents.
9. EXPRESSION OF RESULTS
The peroxide value (PV), expressed in milliequivalents of active oxygen
per kilogram, isgiven by the formula:
PV¼V/C2T/C21000
m
where:
V = the number of ml of the standardized sodium thiosulphate solution
(6.4) used for the test, corrected to take into account the blank test;
T=►C1the exact molarity ◄of the sodium thiosulphate solution
(6.4) used;
m = the weight in g, of the test portion.
Take asthe res ult the arithmetic mean of the two determinationscarried
out.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 13
▼M6
ANNEX IV
DETERMINATION OF WAX CONTENT BY CAPILLARY COLUMN
GAS-LIQUIDCHROMATOGRAPHY
1. SCOPE
Thismethod des cribesa procedure for the determination of the wax
content of certain fats and oils, under the test conditions.
It may be used in particular to distinguish between olive oil obtained by
pressing and that obtained by extraction (olive-pomace oil).
2. PRINCIPLE
Addition of a suitable internal standard to the fat or oil, then fractiona-
tion by chromatography on a hydrated silica gel column. Recovery of
the fraction eluted first under the test conditions (whose polarity is
less than that of the triglycerides), then direct analysis by capillary
column gas-liquid chromatography.
3. APPARATUS
3.1. 25-ml Erlenmeyer flask.
3.2. Glass column for chromatography, 15 mm internal diameter and 30-40
cm long.
3.3. Suitable gas-liquid chromatograph with a capillary column, equipped
with a system for direct introduction into the column comprising the
following:
3.3.1 Thermostat-controlled oven for the columns, capable of maintaining the
desired temperature to within 1 ºC.
3.3.2. Cold injector for direct introduction into the column.3.3.3. Flame-ionization detector and converter-amplifier.
3.3.4. Recorder-integrator capable of working with the converter-amplifier
(3.3.3.), rate of response below 1 second, with variable paper speed.
3.3.5. Capillary column, glass or fused silico, 10 to 15 m long 0,25 to 0,32
mm internal diameter, internally covered with SE-52 or SE-54 liquid,
or equivalents, to a uniform thickness of 0.10 to 0,30 µm.
3.4. Microsyringe with facilities for on-column injection capacity 10 µl,
equipped with a casehardened needle.
4. REAGENTS
4.1. Silica gel, 70/230 mesh, article 7754 Merck.
Place the gel in the oven at 500 ºC for four hours. Allow to cool, then
add 2 % water. Shake well the homogenize slurry. Keep in darkness for
at least 12 hours prior to use.
4.2. n-hexane, for chromatography.
4.3. Ethyl ether, for chromatography.
4.4. n-heptane, for chromatography.4.5. Standard solution of lauryl arachidate, at 0,1 % (m/v) in hexane
(internal standard).
4.6. Carrier gas: hydrogen, pure, for gas-liquid chromatography.
4.7. Auxiliary gases:
— hydrogen, pure, for gas-liquid chromatography,
— air, pure, for gas-liquid chromatography.
5. PROCEDURE
5.1. Separation of the wax friction.
5.1.1. Preparation of the chromatographic column.
Suspend 15 g of silica gel hydrated at 2 % in anhydrous n-hexane and
introduce into the column.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 14
▼M6
Allow to settle spontaneously. Complete settling with the aid of an
electric shaker to make the chromatographic band more homogeneous.
Percolate 30-ml n-hexane to remove any impurities.
5.1.2. Column chromatography
Weigh exactly 500 mg of the sample into a 25-ml flask, and add a
suitable amount of internal standard, depending on the assumed wax
content, e.g. add 0,1 mg lauryl arachidate in the case of olive oil, and
0,25 to 0,5 mg in the case of olive-pomace oil.
Transfer the prepared sample to the chromatographic column, prepared
according to 5.1., with the aid of two 2-ml portionsof n-hexane.
Allow the solvent to flow to 1 mm above the upper level of the absor-
bent. Then start chromatographic elution; collect 140 ml of the n-
hexane/ethyl ether mixture, at 99:1, at a flow of about 15 dropsevery
10 seconds (2,1 ml/minute).
Dry the resultant fraction in a rotary evaporator until almost all the
solvent is eliminated. Remove the last 2 or 3 ml of solvent with the
help of a weak current of nitrogen, then add 10 ml n-heptane.
5.2. Gas-liquid chromatographic analysis
5.2.1. Preliminary procedure, conditioning of column.
5.2.1.1. Fit the column to the gas-liquid chromatograph, connecting the inlet
port to the on-column system and the outlet port to the detector.
Check the gas-liquid chromatography apparatus (operation of gas loops,
detector and recorder efficiency, etc.).
5.2.1.2. If the columns is being used for the first time, it is advisable to condi-
tion it. Run a light flow of gasthrough the column, then s witch on the
gas-liquid chromatography apparatus. Gradually heat to a temperature
at least 20 ºC above the operating temperature (note). Maintain this
temperature for at least two hours, then regulate the apparatus to the
operating conditions(regulate gasflow, light flame, connect to elec-
tronic recorder, regulate oven temperature for column, regulate
detector, etc.). Record the signal at a sensitivity at least twice as high
as that required to perform the analysis. The base-line should be linear,
with no peaksof any kind, and mus t have any deviation.
A negative rectilinear deviation indicatesthat the column connections
are not correct; a positive deviation indicates that the column has not
been properly conditioned.
Note:Keep the conditioning temperature at all timesat leas t 20 ºC
below the maximum temperature specified for the eluent
employed.
5.2.2. Choice of operating conditions.
5.2.2.1. The operating conditionsare generally asfollows :
— column temperature: 80 ºC at first, rising by 30 ºC/minute to 120
ºC, then programmed to increase by 5 ºC/minute up to 340 ºC,
— detector temperature: 350 ºC,
— linear speed of carrier gas: hydrogen, 20 to 35 cm/sec,
— instrument sensitivity: 4 to 16 times the minimum attenuation,— Recorder sensitivity: 1 to 2 mV, from bottom of scale,— paper speed: 30 cm/hour,
— amount injected: 0,5-1 µl solution.
These conditions may be modified to suit the characteristics of the
column and the gas-liquid chromatographic apparatus (in order to
obtain chromatgramsmeeting the following conditions : retention time
of C32 internal standard must be 25 ± 2 minutes and the most represen-
tative peak of the waxesmus t lie between 60 and 100 % from the
bottom of the scale).
5.2.2.2. Determine the peak integration parametersin s uch a way asto obtain a
correct evaluation of the peak areascons idered.
5.2.3. Performance of the analysis5.2.3.1. Take up 1 µl of the solution with the aid of the 10 µl micry-syringe;
draw back the piston until the needle is empty. Introduce the needle in
the injection system and inject quickly after one to two seconds. After
about five seconds, gently extract the needle.
5.2.3.2. Perform the recording until the waxesare completely eluted.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 15
▼M6
The base-line must always satisfy the required conditions (5.2.1.2).
5.2.4. Peak identification
Identify the peaksfrom the retention times , by comparing them with
mixtures of waxes with known retention times, analysed under the
same conditions.
Figure 1 givesa wax chromatogram of a virgin olive oil.
5.2.5. Quantitative analysis
5.2.5.1. Determine the areas of the peaks corresponding to the internal standard
and the aliphatic esters from C40 to C46 with the aid of the integrator.
5.2.5.2. Determine the wax content of each of the esters, in mg/kg of fat,
according to the formula:
ester (mg/kg) =Ax·ms·►M91 000◄
As·m
where:
Ax= area of the peak of each ester;
As= area of the lauryl arachidate peak;
ms= mass of the lauryl arachidate added, in milligram;
m = mass of the sample taken for determination, in grams.
6. EXPRESSION OF THE RESULTS
Give the different wax contents, and the sum of those contents, in mg/
kg of fat.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 16
▼M6
APPENDIX
Determination of linear gas speed
Inject 1 to 3 µl methane (propane) into the gas-liquid chromatographic appa-
ratus, after adjusting it to the normal operating conditions. Measure the time
the gastakesto run through the column, from the moment it isinjected until
the peak emerges(tM).
The linear speed in cm/sec. is given by the formula L/tM where L is the length
of the column, in cm, and tM is the time measured in seconds.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 17
▼M6
1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 18
▼B
ANNEX V
DETERMINATION OF THE COMPOSITION AND CONTENT OF
STEROLSBYCAPILLARY-COLUMNGASCHROMATOGRAPHY
1. SCOPE
The method describes a procedure for determining the individual and
total sterols content of fatty substances.
2. PRINCIPLE OF THE METHOD
The fatty substance, with added α-cholestanol as an internal standard, is
saponified with potassium hydroxide in ethanolic solution and the unsa-
ponifiablesare then extracted with ►C1diethyl ether ◄.
The sterol fraction is separated from the unsaponifiable extract by chro-
matography on a basic silica gel plate. The sterols recovered from the
silica gel are transformed into trimethyl-silyl ethers and are analysed by
capillary-column gaschromatography.
3. APPARATUS
3.1. 250 ml flask fitted with a reflux condenser having ground-glass joints.3.2. 500 ml separating funnels.
3.3. 250 ml flasks.
3.4. Complete apparatus for analysis by thin-layer chromatography using
20 × 20 cm glass plates.
3.5. Ultraviolet lamp having a wavelength of 366 or 254 nm.
3.6. 100 µl and 500 µl microsyringes.3.7. A cylindrical filter funnel with a G3 porous septum (porosity 15 to
40 µm) of diameter approximately 2 cm and a depth of some 5 cm,
with an attachment suitable for filtration under vacuum and a 12/21
male ground glass joint.
3.8. 50 ml vacuum conical flask with a 12/21 ground-glass female joint
which can be fitted to the filter funnel (3.7).
3.9. A 10 ml test tube with a tapering bottom and a sealing stopper.
3.10. Gas chromatograph suitable for use with a capillary column, provided
with a splitting system consisting of:
3.10.1. a thermostatic chamber for columns capable of maintaining the desired
temperature with an accuracy of ± 1 ºC;
3.10.2. a temperature-adjustable vaporization unit with a persilanized glass
vapourizing element;
3.10.3. a flame ionization detector and converter-amplifier;3.10.4. an integrator-recorder suitable for use with the converter-amplifier
(3.10.3) having a response time of not more than one second and a vari-
able paper speed.
3.11. A glass or fused-silica capillary column of length 20 to 30 m, internal
diameter 0,25 to 0,32 mm, entirely coated with SE-52 or SE-54 liquid
or equivalent in a uniform thickness between 0,10 and 0,30 µm.
3.12. A 10 µl gaschromatography micros yringe with a hardened needle.
4. REAGENTS
4.1. Potassiumhydroxide, ►
C1approximately2mol/Lethanolicsolution. ◄
Dissolve 130 g of potassium hydroxide ►C1(minimum concentration
85 %)◄with cooling in 200 ml of distilled water and then make up to
one litre with ethanol. Keep the solution in well-stoppered dark glass
bottles.
4.2. ►C1Diethyl ether ◄, analytical purity.
4.3. Anhydrous sodium sulphate, analytical purity.
4.4. Glass plates coated with silica gel, without fluorescence indicator,
thickness 0,25 mm (commercially available ready for use).1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 19
▼B
4.5. Potassium hydroxide, ►C10,2 mol/L ◄ethanolic solution. Dissolve
13 g of potassium hydroxide in 20 ml of distilled water and make up
to one litre with ethanol.
4.6. Benzene, for chromatography. (See 5.2.2)
4.7. Acetone, for chromatography. (See 5.2.2)
4.8. Hexane, for chromatography. (See 5.2.2)4.9. ►
C1Diethyl ether ◄, for chromatography. (See 5.2.2)
4.10. Chloroform, analytical purity. (See 5.2.2)4.11. Reference solution for thin-layer chromatography: cholesterol or
phytosterols, ►
M62%◄solution in chloroform.
4.12. 2,7-dichlorofluorescein, 0,2 % ethanolic solution. Make slightly basic
by adding a few dropsof ►C12 mol/L ◄alcoholic potassium hydro-
xide solution.
4.13. Anhydrouspyridine, for chromatography.4.14. Hexamethyl disilazane.4.15. Trimethylchlorosilane.4.16. Reference solutions of sterol trimethylsilyl ethers. To be prepared at the
time of use from pure sterols or mixtures of sterols obtained from oils
containing them.
4.17. ►
C1β-cholestanol ◄, 0,2 % solution (m/V) in chloroform (internal
standard).
4.18. Carrier gas: hydrogen or helium, gas-chromatographic purity.4.19. Auxiliary gases:
— hydrogen, gas-chromatographic purity,
— air, gas-chromatographic purity.
5. PROCEDURE
5.1. Preparation of the unsaponifiables.
5.1.1. Using the 500 µl microsyringe ►
C1introduce, into a 250 ml flask a
volume of 0,2 % β-cholestanol solution in chloroform (4.17) containing
an amount of cholestanol corresponding to approximately 10 % of the
sterol content of the sample aliquot to be taken for the determination. ◄
For example, for 5 g of sample add 500 µl of the 0,2 % α-cholestanol
solution in the case of an olive oil and 1 500 µl for
►M6 ◄olive-pomaca oil.
Evaporate to ►C1dryness in a current ◄of nitrogen and then weigh
accurately 5 g of the dry filtered sample into the same flask.
►M6Oils◄and fatscontaining appreciable quantitiesof choles terol
may show a peak having a retention time identical to cholestanol. If this
occursthe s terol fraction will have to be analyzed in duplicate with and
without internal standard ►M6or betulinol will have to be used
instead of cholestanol ◄.
5.1.2. Add 50 ml of ►C12 mol/L ◄ethanolic potassium hydroxide solu-
tion, fit the reflux condenser and heat to gentle boiling on a waterbath with continuous vigorous stirring until saponification takes place
(the solution becomes clear). Continue heating for a further 20 minutes,
then add 50 ml of ►
C1distilled water to the ◄top of the condenser,
detach the condenser and cool the flask to approximately 30 ºC.
5.1.3. Transfer the contents of the flask quantitatively into a 500 ml separating
funnel using several rinses of distilled water, amounting in all to about
50 ml. Add approximately 80 ml of ►C1diethyl ether ◄, shake
vigorously for approximately 30 seconds and allow to settle (Note 1).
Separate off the lower aqueous phase collecting it in a second separ-
ating funnel. Perform two further extractionson the aqueousphas e in
the same way using 60 to 70 ml of ethyl ether on each occasion.
Note 1. Any emulsion can be destroyed by adding small quantities of
ethyl or methyl alcohol by meansof a s pray.
5.1.4. Pool the ether extracts into a single separating funnel and wash with
distilled water (50 ml at a time) until the wash water gives a neutral
reaction.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 20
▼B
When the wash water has been removed, dry with anhydrous sodium
sulphate and ►C1filter through anhydrous ◄sodium sulphate into a
previously weighed 250 ml flask, washing the funnel and filter with
small quantities of ►C1diethyl ether. ◄
5.1.5. Distil the ether down to a few ml, then bring to dryness under a slight
vacuum or in a current of nitrogen, completing drying in a stove at
100 ºC for approximately a quarter of an hour, and then weigh after
cooling in a desiccator.
5.2. Separation of the sterol fraction.5.2.1. Preparation of the basic plates. Immerse the silica gel plates (4.4)
completely in the ►
C10,2 mol/L ◄ethanolic potassium hydroxide
solution (4.5) for 10 seconds, then allow to dry in a fume cupboard
for two hoursand finally place ►C1in an oven at ◄100 ºC for one
hour.
Remove from the stove and keep in a calcium chloride desiccator until
required for use (plates treated in this way must be used within 15
days).
Note 2. When basic silica gel plates are used to separate the sterol frac-
tion there isno need to treat the uns aponifiableswith alumina.
In thisway all compoundsof an acid nature (fatty acidsand
others) are retained on the spotting line and the sterols band is
clearly separated from the aliphatic and triterpene alcohols
band.
5.2.2. Place a 95:5 (v/v) benzene/acetone ►C1mixture into the ◄plate-
developing chamber to a depth of approximately 1 cm. Asan alterna-
tive a 65:35 (v/v) hexane/ethyl ether mixture may be used. Close the
chamber with the appropriate cover and leave thusfor approximately
half an hour so that liquid-vapour equilibrium is established. Strips of
filter paper dipping into the eluent may be placed on the internal
surfaces of the chamber. This reduces developing time by approxi-
mately one-third and bringsabout more uniform and regular elution of
the components.
Note 3. The developing mixture should be replaced for every test in
order to achieve perfectly reproducible elution conditions.
5.2.3. Prepare an approximately 5 % solution of the unsaponifiables (5.1.5) in
chloroform and, using the 100 µl microsyringe, streak a chromato-
graphic plate ►C1(5.2.1) with 300 µl ◄approximately 2 cm from
one end in a s treak which isasthin and asuniform aspos s ible. In line
with the streak place 2 to 3 µl of the sterol reference solution (4.11) at
one end of the plate so that the sterol band can be identified after devel-
oping.
5.2.4. Place the plate in the developing chamber prepared ass pecified in
5.2.2. The ambient temperature should be maintained between 15 and
20 ºC. Immediately close the chamber with the cover and allow to elute
until the solvent front reaches approximately 1 cm from the upper edge
of the plate. Remove the plate from the developing chamber and evapo-
rate the solvent in a flow of hot air or by leaving the plate for a short
while under a hood.
5.2.5. Spray the plate lightly and uniformly with the 2,7-dichlorofluoroscein
solution. When the plate is observed under ultraviolet light the sterol
band can be identified through being aligned with the stain obtained
from the reference solution. Mark the limits of the band along the edges
of the fluorescence with a black pencil.
5.2.6. Using a metal spatula scrape off the silica gel in the marked area. Place
the finely comminuted material removed into the filter funnel (3.7).
Add 10 ml of hot chloroform, mix carefully with the metal spatula
and filter under vacuum, collecting the filtrate in the conical flask
(3.8) attached to the filter funnel.
Wash the residue ►C1in the funnel three timeswith diethyl ether ◄
(approximately 10 ml each time) collecting the filtrate in the same flask
attached to the funnel. Evaporate the filtrate to a volume of 4 to 5 ml,
transfer the residual solution to the previously weighed 10 ml test tube
(3.9), evaporate to dryness by mild heating in a gentle flow of nitrogen,
make up again using a few drops of acetone, evaporate again to
dryness, place in a stove at 105 ºC for approximately 10 minutes and
then allow to cool in a desiccator and weigh.
The residue contained in the test tube consists of the sterol fraction.
5.3. Preparation of the trimethylsilyl ethers.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 21
▼B
5.3.1. Add the silylation reagent, consisting of a 9:3:1 (v/v/v) mixture of pyri-
dine/hexamethyl disilazane/trimethyl chlorosilane (Note 4) in the ratio
of 50 µl for every milligram of sterols to the test tube containing the
sterol fraction, avoiding any uptake of moisture (Note 5).
Note 4. Solutionswhich are ready for us e are available commercially.
Other silanizing reagents such as, for example, bis-trimethyl-
silyl, trifluor acetamide + 1 % trimethyl chlorosilane, which
hasto be diluted with an equal volume of anhydrouspyridine,
are also available.
5.3.2. Stopper the test tube, shake carefully (without overturning) until the
sterols are completely dissolved. Stand for at least 15 minutes at
ambient temperature and then centrifuge for a few minutes. The clear
solution is ready for gas chromatographic analysis.
Note 5. The slight opalescence which may form is normal and does not
cause any interference. The formation of a white floc or the
appearance of a pink colour are indicative of the presence of
moisture or deterioration of the reagent. If these occur the test
must be repeated.
5.4. Gas chromatographic analysis.
5.4.1. Preliminary operations, column packing.5.4.1.1. Fit the column in the gaschromatograph, attaching the inlet end to the
evaporator connected to the splitting system and the outlet end to the
detector.
Carry out general checkson the gaschromatograph unit (leaksfrom the
gas circuits, detector efficiency, efficiency of the splitting system and
recording system, etc.).
5.4.1.2. If the column is being used for the first time it is recommended that it
should be subjected to conditioning. Pass a gentle flow of gas through
the column and then switch on the gas chromatography unit and begin
gradual heating up to a temperature of at least 20 ºC above the oper-
ating temperature (Note 6). Hold thistemperature for at leas t two
hours, then place the entire unit in operating mode (adjustment of gas
flowsand s plitting, ignition of the flame, connection with the electronic
recorder, adjustment of the column chamber, detector and injector
temperature, etc.) and then record the signal with a sensitivity at least
two times greater than that intended for the analysis. The course of the
base line must be linear, without peaks of any kind, and must not drift.
A negative straight-line drift indicates leakage from the column connec-
tions; a positive drift indicates inadequate conditioning of the column.
Note 6. The conditioning temperature must always be at least 20 ºC
less than the maximum temperature specified for the stationary
phase used.
5.4.2. Choice of operating conditions.5.4.2.1. The guideline operating conditionsare asfollows :
— column temperature: 260 ± 5 ºC,
— evaporator temperature: 280 ºC,
— detector temperature: 290 ºC,
— linear velocity of the carrier gas: helium 20 to 35 cm/s, hydrogen 30
to 50 cm/s,
— splitting ratio: from 1:50 to 1:100,
— instrument sensitivity: from 4 to 16 times the minimum attenuation,
— recording sensitivity: 1 to 2 mV f.s.,
— paper speed: 30 to 60 cm/hour,— amount of substance injected: 0,5 to 1 µl of TMSE solution.
These conditions may be varied in the light of column and gas-chroma-
tograph characteristics so as to obtain chromatograms which meet the
following requirements:
— the retention time for β-sitosterol should be 20 ± 5 minutes,
— the campesterol peak should be: for olive oil (mean content 3 %)
15 ± 5 % of full scale; for soya oil (mean content 20 %) 80 ± 10 %
of full scale,
— all the sterols present must be separated. In addition to being sepa-
rated the peaks must also be completely resolved, i.e. the peak trace
should return to the base line before leaving for the next peak.
Incomplete resolution is however tolerated provided that the peak
at TRR 1,02 can be quantified using the perpendicular.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 22
▼B
5.4.3. Analytical procedure.
5.4.3.1. Using the 10 µl microsyringe take 1 µl of hexane, draw in 0,5 µl of air
and then 0,5 to 1 µl of the sample solution. Raise the plunger of the
syringe further so the needle is emptied. Push the needle through the
membrane of the injection unit and after one to two seconds inject
rapidly, then slowly remove the needle after some five seconds.
5.4.3.2. Continue recording until the TMSE of the sterols present are comple-
tely eluted
The base line must continue to meet the requirements (5.4.1.2).
5.4.4. Peak identification.
Identify individual peakson the bas isof retention timesand by compar-
ison with mixtures of sterol TMSE analysed under the same conditions.
The sterols are eluted in the following order: cholesterol, brassicasterol,
24-methylene cholesterol, campesterol, campestanol, stigmasterol, ∆7-
campesterol, ∆ 5,23 -stigmastadienol, ►C1chlerosterol ◄,β-sistos-
terol, sitostanol, ∆5-avenasterol, ∆ 5,24-stigmastadienol ►C1,∆7-
stigmasterol, ◄∆7-avenasterol.
The retention times for sitosterol for SE-52 and SE-54 columns are
shown in Table 1.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate typical chromatograms for some oils.
5.4.5. Quantitative evaluation.
5.4.5.1. Calculate the areasof the ►C1β-cholestanol ◄and the sterol peaks
using the integrator. Ignore peaks for any compounds which are not
included among those listed in Table 1. The response coefficient for
►C1β-cholestanol ◄isto be equal to 1.
5.4.5.2. Calculate the concentration of each individual sterol in mg/100 g of
fatty material asfollows :
sterol x =Ax·ms· 100
As·m
where:
Ax= peak area for sterol x ►M6 ◄;
As= area of the ►C1β-cholestanol ◄ peak
►M6 ◄;
ms= mass of ►C1β-cholestanol ◄added, im milligrams;
m = mass of the sample used for determination, in grams.
6. EXPRESSION OF THE RESULTS
6.1 Record individual sterol concentrations as mg/100 g of fatty material
and their sum as ‘total sterols’.
6.2 Calculate the percentage of each individual sterol from the ratio of the
relevant peak area to the total peak area for sterols.
% of sterol x =Ax
ΣA· 100
where:
Ax= peak area for x;
ΣA = total peak area for sterols.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 23
▼B
APPENDIX
Determination of the linear velocity of the gas
With the gaschromatograph s et to normal operating conditionsinject 1 to 3 µl
of methane (or propane) and measure the time taken by the gas to pass through
the column from the time of injection to the time at which the peak appears(tM).
The linear velocity in cm/sisgiven by L/tM, where L isthe length of the column
in centimetresand tMis the measured time in seconds.
TableI
Relative retention timesfor s terols
Pe-
akIdentificationRelative retention
time
SE 54
columnSE 52
column
1 cholesterol ∆-5-cholesten-3 β-ol 0,67 0,63
2 cholestanol 5 α-cholestan-3 β-ol 0,68 0,64
3 brassicasterol [24S]-24-methyl- ∆-5,22-cholestadien-3 β-ol 0,73 0,71
4 24-methylene-cholesterol 24-methylene- ∆-5,24-cholesten-3 β-ol 0,82 0,80
5 campesterol [24R]-24-methyl- ∆-5-cholesten-3 β-ol 0,83 0,81
6 campestanol [24R]-24-methyl-cholestan-3 β-ol 0,85 0,82
7 stigmasterol [24R]-24-ethyl- ∆-5,22-cholestadien-3 β-ol 0,88 0,87
8 ∆-7-campesterol [24R]-24-methyl- ∆-7-cholesten-3 β-ol 0,93 0,92
9 ∆-5,23-stigmastadienol [24R,S]-24-ethyl- ∆-5,23-cholestadien-3 β-ol 0,95 0,95
10 chlerosterol [24S]-24-ethyl- ∆-5,25-cholastadien-3 β-ol 0,96 0,96
11 β-sitosterol [24R]-24-ethyl- ∆-5-cholestan-3 β-ol 1,00 1,00
12 sitostanol 24-ethyl-cholestan-3 β-ol 1,02 1,02
13 ∆-5-avenasterol [24Z]-24-ethylidene-5-cholesten-3 β-ol 1,03 1,03
14 ∆-5,24-stigmastadienol [24R,S]-24-ethyl- ∆-5,24-cholestadien-3 β-ol 1,08 1,08
15 ∆-7-stigmastenol [24R,S]-24-Ethyl- ∆-7,24-cholestadien-3 β-ol 1,12 1,12
16 ∆-7-avenasterol [24Z]-24-ethyliden- ∆-7-cholesten-3 β-ol 1,16 1,161991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 24
▼B
Figure1
Gas chromatogram of the sterol fraction of an unrefined olive oil
1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 25
▼B
Figure2
Gas chromatogram of the sterol fraction of a refined olive oil
1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 26
▼B
ANNEX VI
DETERMINATIONOFERYTHRODIOLANDUVAOL
INTRODUCTION
Erythrodiol (commonly understood as the glycols erythrodiol and uvaol
together) is a constituent of the unsaponifiable fraction, characteristic of
some types of fatty substances. It is found at considerably higher concen-
trations in solvent-extracted olive oil than in other oils, such as pressed
olive oil and grape pip oil, which also contain it, and so its presence
may demonstrate the presence of solvent-extract olive oil.
1. SCOPE
The method describes a procedure for detecting erythrodiol in fatty
substances.
2. PRINCIPLE OF THE METHOD
The fatty substance is saponified with potassium ►C1hydroxide in etha-
nolic solution. The unsaponifiable fraction is then extracted with diethyl
ether◄and purified by passage over a column of alumina.
The unsaponifiables are subjected to thin-layer chromatography on a
silica gel plate until the bands corresponding to the sterol and erythrodiol
fractions are separated. The sterols and the erythrodiol recovered from the
plate are transformed into trimethylsilyl ethers and the mixture is
analysed by gas chromatography.
The result is expressed as the percentage of erythrodiol in the mixture of
erythrodiol and sterols.
3. APPARATUS
3.1. The apparatusdes cribed in Annex V (determination of the content of
sterols).
4. REAGENTS
4.1. The reagentsdes cribed in Annex V (determination of the content of
sterols).
4.2. Reference solution of erythrodiol, 0,5 % solution in chloroform.
5. PROCEDURE5.1.Preparationoftheunsaponifiables.
Asdes cribed at paragraph 5.1.2 of Annex V.
5.2.Separationoferythrodiolandthesterols.
5.2.1. See paragraph 5.2.1 of Annex V.
5.2.2. See paragraph 5.2.2 of Annex V.
5.2.3. Prepare a 5 % solution of the unsaponifiables in chloroform.
Using the 0,1 ml microsyringe, streak a chromatographic plate with 0,3 ml
of solution approximately 1,5 cm from the lower edge in a streak which
isasthin and uniform aspos s ible.
At one end of the plate place a few microlitres of the solutions of choles-
terol and erythrodiol to serve as a reference.
5.2.4. Place the plate in the developing chamber prepared ass pecified in 5.2.1.
The ambient temperature should be about 20 ºC. Immediately close the
chamber with the cover and allow to elute until the solvent front reaches
approximately 1 cm from the upper edge of the plate. Remove the plate
from the developing chamber and evaporate the solvent in a flow of hot
air.
5.2.5. Spray the plate lightly and uniformly with the alcoholic 2,7-dichlorofluor-
oscein solution. When the plate is observed under ultralviolet light the
sterol and erythrodiol bands can be identified through being aligned with
the references. Mark with a spot just outside the edges of the fluores-
cence.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 27
▼B
5.2.6. Using a metal spatula scrape off the silica gel in the marked areas. Place
the material from the plate in a 50 ml flask. Add 15 ml of hot chloro-
form, shake well and filter through a funnel with a sintered glass disc so
that the silica gel is transferred to the filter. Wash three times with hot
chloroform (10 ml each time) collecting the filtrate in a 100 ml flask.
Evaporate the filtrate to a volume of 4 to 5 ml, transfer to a calibrated
10 ml conical-bottomed centrifuge tube, dry by gently heating in a
current of nitrogen and weigh.
5.3.Preparationofthetrimethylsily esters
Asdes cribed in paragraph 5.3 of Annex V.
5.4.Gaschromatographicanalysis
Asdes cribed in paragraph 5.4 of the above method. The operating condi-
tions of the gas chromatograph in analysis must be such as to perform the
sterol analysis and separate the TMSE from the erythrodiol and uvaol.
Once the sample has been injected, continue recording until the sterols
present, the erythrodiol and the uvaol have been eluted. Then identify
the peaks(the retention timesfor erythrodiol and uvaol relative to β-
sitosterol are about 1,45 and 1,55 respectively) and calculate the areas
as for the sterols.
6. EXPRESSION OF THE RESULTS
Erythrodiol % =A1+A2
A1+A2+ΣAsterols× 100
where:
A1= peak area for erythrodiol ►M6 ◄;
A2= peak area for uvaol ►M6 ◄;
ΣAsterols= total peak area for sterols ►M6 ◄.
The result is expressed to one decimal place.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 28
▼B
ANNEX VII
DETERMINATION OF FATTY ACIDS IN THE 2-POSITION IN THE
TRIGLYCERIDESOFOILSANDFATS
1. SCOPE
This Standard describes a method for the determination of the composi-
tion of that fraction of the fatty acidsof an oil or fat which ises terified
at the 2-position (or internal position) of the glycerol.
2. FIELD OF APPLICATION
ThisStandard isapplicable to oilsand fatshaving a melting point below
45 ºC, owing to the peculiaritiesof the action of pancreatic lipas e.
It is not applicable unreservedly to oils and fats containing substantial
amountsof: fatty acidswith 12 or fewer carbon atoms(coconut and palm-
kernel oils, butterfat), or highly unsaturated fatty acids (with more than
four double bounds) containing 20 or more carbon atoms (fish and marine
animals oils), or fatty acids containing oxygenated groups, other than the
acid group.
3. PRINCIPLE
Possible neutralization of acid oils and fats in a solvent. Purification by
passing onto an alumina column. Partial hydrolysis of triglycerides by
pancreatic lipase during a determined time. Separation of the formed
monoglycerides by thin-layer chromatography and methanolysis of these
monoglycerides. Analysis of these methyl esters by gas-liquid chromato-
graphy.
4. APPARATUS
4.1. 100 ml round-bottomed flask.4.2. 25 ml round bottomed flask, with ground joint.4.3. 1 m-long air condenser, to fit the flask 4.2.4.4. 250 ml conical flask.4.5. 50 ml beaker.4.6. 500 ml separating funnel.4.7. Chromatographic glass column, 13 mm internal diameter, 400 mm in
length, fitted with a fritted glass disc and a tap.
4.8. 10 ml centrifuge tube, with ground glass stopper.
4.9. 5 ml burette, graduated in 0,05 ml.4.10. 1 ml hypodermic syringe, fitted with a thin needle.4.11. Microsyringe, to deliver drops of 3 to 4 µl.4.12. Spreader for thin-layer chromatography.4.13. Glass plates for thin-layer chromatography, 20 × 20 cm.4.14. Glass developing tank for thin-layer chromatography, with ground-glass
lid, suitable for the 20 × 20 plates.
4.15. Spray for thin-layer chromatography.4.16. Oven regulated at 103 ± 2 ºC.
4.17. Thermostat regulatable between 30 and 45 ºC to within 0,5 ºC.
4.18. Rotary evaporator.4.19. Vibrating electric shaker, allowing vigorous agitation of the centrifuge
tube.
4.20. Ultraviolet lamp for the examination of the thin-layer plates.
For the control of the lipase activity:
4.21. pH meter.
4.22. Spiral stirer.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 29
▼B
4.23. 5 ml burette.
4.24. Stop-watch.
For the possible preparation of the lipase:
4.25. Laboratory stirrer, suitable for the dispersion and mixture of heteroge-
neousmaterials .
5. REAGENTS
5.1.n-hexane, or, failing this, light petroleum (bp 30 to 50 ºC), chromato-
graphic quality.
5.2. 2-propanol, or ethanol, 95 % (v/v), analytical reagent quality.
5.3. 2-propanol, or ethanol, 1/1 aqueouss olution.5.4. Diethyl ether, free from peroxides.
5.5. Acetone.
5.6. Formic acid, at least 98 % (m/m).
5.7. Developing solvent: mixture of n-hexane (5.1), diethyl ether (5.4) and
formic acid (5.6) in proportions70/30/1 (v/v/v).
5.8. Activated alumina for chromatography, neutral, grade Brockmann I.
5.9. Silica powder, with binder, of suitable quality for thin-layer chromato-
graphy.
5.10. Pancreatic lipase of suitable quality (Notes 1 and 2).
5.11. Sodium hydroxide, 120 g/l aqueouss olution.
5.12. Hydrochloric acid, aqueous ►
C1solution 6 Mol/l. ◄
5.13. Calcium chloride (CaCl2), 220 g/l aqueouss olution.
5.14. Sodium cholate (enzymatic quality), 1 g/l aqueouss olution.
5.15. Buffer solution: 1 M aqueous solution of tris-hydroxymethylamino-
methane bring to pH 8 by addition of hydrochloric acid (5.12) (check by
potentiometer).
5.16. Phenolphthalein, 10 g/l solution in 95 % (v/v) ethanol.
5.17. 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein, 2 g/l solution in 95 % (v/v) ethanol, rendered
slightly alkaline by the addition of one drop of 1 N sodium hydroxide
solution per 100 ml.
For the control of the lipase activity:
5.18. Neutralized oil.
5.19. Sodium ►C1hydroxide, 0,1 M ◄aqueouss olution.
5.20. Sodium cholate (enzymatic quality), 200 g/l aqueouss olution.
5.21. Gum arabic, 100 g/l aqueouss olution.
6. PREPARATION OF THE SAMPLE
If the sample has an acidity below 3 %, determined according to Annex
II, purify directly over alumina according to 6.2.
If the sample has an acidity over 3 %, determined according to Annex II,
neutralize by alkali in the presence of a solvent according to 6.1, then pass
over alumina according to 6.2.
6.1. Neutralization by alkali in the presence of solvent
Into a separating funnel (4.6) introduce about 10 g of the crude oil and
add 100 ml of hexane (5.1), 50 ml of 2-propanol (5.2), a few dropsof
phenolphthalein solution (5.16), and an amount of the sodium hydroxide
solution (5.11) corresponding to the free acidity of the oil plus 0,3 %
excess. Shake vigorously for one minute, add 50 ml of distilled water,
shake again and leave to settle.
After separation, remove the bottom soap layer. Also remove any inter-
mediate layers (mucilage, insoluble matter). Wash the hexane solution of
the neutralized oil with successive 25 to 30 ml portions of the 2-propanol
solution (5.3) until the pink colour of the phenolphthalein disappears.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 30
▼B
Remove most of the hexane by distillation under vacuum in the rotary
evaporator (4.18), dry the oil at 30 to 40 ºC under vaccum with the help
of a current of pure nitrogen until the hexane hasbeen removed comple-
tely.
6.2. Purification through alumina
Prepare a suspension of 15 g of activated alumina (5.8) in 50 ml hexane
(5.1) and pour it, while stirring, onto the chromatographic column (4.7).
Let the alumina settle evenly, and allow the solvent level to fall to within
1 to 2 mm above the absorbent. Carefully pour onto the column a solution
of 5 g of oil in 25 ml of hexane (5.1); collect the whole of the effluent
from the column in a round-bottomed flask (4.1).
7. Preparation of the chromatographic plates
Thoroughly clean the glass plates (4.13) with ethanol, light petroleum and
acetone to eliminate any trace of fatty matter.
In a conical flask (4.4) place 30 g of silica powder (5.9). Add 60 ml of
distilled water. Stopper and shake vigorously for one minute. Transfer
the slurry immediately to the spreader (4.12) and coat the clean plates
with a layer 0,25 mm thick.
Dry the platesin the air for 15 minutesand then for an hour in the oven
(4.16) at 103 ± 2 ºC. Cool the platesin a des iccator to room temperature
before use.
Prepared platesare available in commerce.
8. PROCEDURE
8.1. Hydrolysis with pancreatic lipase.
Into the centrifuge tube (4.8) weigh about 0,1 g of the prepared sample, if
the sample is a liquid oil proceed directly as below.
Add 20 mg of lipase (5.10) and 2 ml of the buffer solution (5.15). Shake
well, but carefully, and then add 0,5 ml of the sodium cholate solution
(5.14) and 0,2 ml of the calcium chloride solution (5.13). Close the tube
with the ground stopper, shake cautiously (avoid wetting the stopper) and
put the tube immediately in the thermostat (4.17) maintained at 40 ± 0,5 ºC
and shake by hand for exactly one minute.
Remove the tube from the thermostat, and agitate vigorously by means of
the electric shaker (4.19) for exactly two minutes.
Cool immediately in running water; add 1 ml of hydrochloric acid (5.12)
and 1 ml of diethyl ether (5.4). Stopper and mix vigorously by means of
the electric shaker. Allow to stand and remove the organic layer by means
of the syringe (4.10), if necessary after centrifuging.
8.2. Separation of the monoglyceridesby thin-layer chromatography
Apply the extract to the chromatographic plate with the microsyringe
(4.11), about 1,5 cm from the bottom edge, in a thin, uniform line, as
narrow as possible. Set the plate in the well-saturated developing tank
(4.14) and develop with the developing solvent (5.7) at about 20 ºC, up
to about 1 cm from the top edge of the plate.
Dry the plate in the air at the temperature of the tank, and spray it with
the 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein solution (5.17). Identify the monoglyceride
band (Rfabout 0,035) under ultraviolet light (4.20).
8.3. Analysis of the monoglycerides by gas-liquid chromatography
Remove the band obtained in 8.2 with the help of a spatula (avoid
removing components remaining on the base line) and transfer in the
methylation flask (4.2).
Treat the collected silica directly by the methods described in Annex X B
alternative so as to convert the monoglycerides into methyl esters, and
then examine the esters by gas chromatography as described in Annex X
A.
9. EXPRESSION OF RESULTS
Calculate the fatty acid composition in the 2-position to one decimal place
(Note 3).
10. NOTES
Note 1: Checking the activity of the lipase1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 31
▼B
Prepare an oil emulsion by shaking a mixture of 165 ml of the
solution of gum arabic (5.21), 15 g of crushed ice and 20 ml of
a neutralized oil (5.18) in a suitable agitator.
In a beaker (4.5) place 10 ml of this emulsion, followed succes-
sively by 0,3 ml of the sodium cholate solution (5.20) and and
20 ml of distilled water.
Put the beaker into a thermostat maintained at 37 ± 0,5 ºC (Note
4); insert the electrodes of a pH meter (4.21) and a spiral stirrer
(4.22).
By means of a burette (4.23) add dropwise the sodium hydroxide
solution (5.19) until the pH reaches 8,5.
Add sufficient of an aqueous suspension of the lipase (see below).
►C1Ass oon as ◄the pH meter indicatesa pH of 8,3, s tart the
stop-watch (4.24) and drip in the sodium hydroxide solution
(5.19) at such a rate as to maintain the pH at 8,3. Read off the
volume of alkali solution consumed every minute.
Record the observations in the form of a graph, using the time
readings as abscissae and the ml of alkali solution required to
maintain the pH constant as ordinates. A linear graph should be
obtained.
The lipase suspension mentioned above is a 1 per thousand (m/m)
suspension in water. For each test sufficient of this suspension
should be used so that about 1 ml of the alkali solution is
consumed in four to five minutes. Usually about 1 to 5 mg of
the powder isrequired.
The lipase unit is defined as the amount of enzyme which will
liberate 10 µ-equivalentsof acid per minute. Then the activity A
of the powder used, measured in lipase units per mg, is given by
the formula:
A¼V/C210
m
where V is the number of the sodium hydroxide solution (5.19)
consumed per minute, calculated from the graph, m is the mass
in mg, of the test portion of the powder.
Note 2: Preparation of the lipase
Lipases having satisfactory lipase activity are available commer-
cially. But it is also possible to prepare them in the laboratory as
follows:
Chill 5 kg of fresh pig pancreas to 0 ºC; remove the surrounding
solid fat and connective tissue and triturate in a blender so as to
obtain a pasty fluid. Stir this paste with the stirrer (4.25) for four
to six hours with 2,5 l of anhydrous acetone and centrifuge.
Extract the residue thrice more with the same volume of acetone,
then twice with 1/1 (V/V) mixture of acetone and diethyl ether,
and twice with diethyl ether.
Dry the residue in vacuo for 48 hoursto obtain a s table powder,
which should be stored in a refrigerator.
Note 3: In every case it is advisable to determine the composition of the
total fatty acids of the same sample, since the comparison with
that of the acidsin the 2-pos ition will help in the interpretation
of the figuresobtained.
Note 4: The temperature of hydrolysis is set at 37 ºC, as a liquid oil is
being used. However, it is set at 40 ºC for the test sample, so as
to allow the examination of fatswith melting pointsup to 45 ºC.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 32
▼B
ANNEX VIII
DETERMINATIONOFTRILINOLEINCONTENT
1. SCOPE
Determination of composition of triglyceride in olive oils ►C1in termsof
their equivalent ◄carbon number by high-performance liquid chromato-
graphy.
►C1The present method ◄describes a method of separation and quanti-
tative determination of the triglyceride composition of vegetable oils in
termsof their molecular weight and degree of uns aturation asa function
of their equivalent carbon number (see Note 1).
2. FIELD OF APPLICATION
►C1Thismethod is ◄applicable to all vegetable oilscontaining trigly-
cerides of long-chain fatty acids. The method is especially appliable to the
detection of the presence of small quantities of semi-drying oils (rich in
linoleic acid) in vegetable oilscontaining oleic acid asthe predominant
unsaturated fatty acid, such as olive oil.
3. PRINCIPLE
Separation of triglyceridesaccording to their equivalent carbon number by
high-performance liquid chromatography (reversed phase polarity) and
interpretation of the chromatograms.
4. APPARATUS
4.1. High-performance liquid chromatograph, allowing thermostatic control of
column temperature.
4.2. Injection unit for 10 µl delivery.4.3. Detector: differential refractometer. The full-scale sensitivity should be at
least 10
−4unit of refractive index.
4.4. Column: stainless steel tube 250 mm in length and of internal diameter
4,5 mm, packed with 5 µm diameter particlesof s ilica with 22 to 23 %
carbon in the form of octadecylsilane (Note 2).
4.5. Recorder and/or integrator.
5. REAGENTS
The reagents should be of analytical purity. Elution solvents should be de-
gassed, and may be recycled several times without effect on the separa-
tions.
5.1. Chloroform.5.2. Acetone.
5.3. Acetonitrile.
5.4. Elution solvent: acetonitrile + acetone (proportions to be adjusted to obtain
the desired separation; begin with 50:50 mixture).
5.5. Solubilization solvent: acetone or 1:1 acetone-chloroform mixture.5.6. Reference triglycerides: either commercial triglycerides (tripalmitin, trio-
lein, etc.) may be used and the retention times thence plotted in
accordance with the equivalent carbon number, or alternatively a reference
chromatogram obtained from soya oil (see Notes 3 and 4 and Figures 1 and
2).
6. PREPARATION OF SAMPLES
A 5 % solution of the samples to be analysed is prepared by weighing
0,5 ± 0,001 g of the sample into a 10 ml graduated flask and making up
to 10 ml with the solubilization solvent (5.5).1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 33
▼C1
▼B
▼B
7. PROCEDURE
7.1. Set up the chromatographic system. Pump elution solvent (5.4) at a rate of
1,5 ml/mm to purge the entire system. Wait until a stable base line is
obtained.
Inject 10 µl of the sample prepared as in 6.
8. CALCULATION AND EXPRESSION OF RESULTS
Use the internal standardization method, i.e. assume that the sum of the
areasof the peakscorres ponding to the varioustriglyceridesisequal to
100 %. Calculate the relative percentage of each triglyceride using the
formula:
% triglyceride =area of peak
sum of peak areas× 100
The result to be given to one decimal place.
Note 1. The elution order can be determined by calculating the equivalent
carbon numbers, often defined by the relation ECN = CN − 2n,
where CN isthe carbon number and n isthe number of double
bonds; it can be calculated much more precisely by taking into
account the origin of the double bond. If no,n1and n1nare the
numbersof double bondsattributable to oleic, linoleic and lino-
lenic acidsres pectively, the equivalent carbon number can be
calculated by meansof a relation of the formula:
ECN = CN − dono−d1n1−d1nn1n
where the coefficientsdo,d1and d1ncan be calculated by meansof
the reference triglycerides. Under the conditions specified in this
method the relation obtained will be close to:
ECN = CN − [2,60 no] − [2,35 n1] − [2,17 n1n]
Note 2. Examples: Lichrosorb (Merck) RP18 Art 50333;
Lichrosphere or equivalent (Merck) 100 CH18 Art
50377.
Note 3. With several reference triglycerides it is also possible to calculate
the resolution with respect to triolein,
α=R T′/RT′olein
by use of the reduced retention time RT ′=R T−R Tsolvent.
The graph of log αagainst f (number of double bonds) enables the
retention valuesto be determined for all the triglyceridesof fatty
acidscontained in the reference triglycerides— s ee Figure 2.
Note 4. The efficiency of the column should permit clear separation of the
peak of trilinolein from the peaksof the triglycerideswith an adja-
cent RT.
Note 5: In order to permit clear separation of the trilinolein peak from
adjacent peaks or from any interfering substances, lampante virgin
oil and crude olive-residue oil should be purified beforehand in
accordance with the following method:
Absorb 200 µl of undiluted oil in a silica column for liquid-solid
extraction (type SEP PAC silica cartridge-waters part. No 51900).
Elute the triglycerideswith 20 ml anhydroushexane for HPLC for
not more than 20 seconds.
Dry the eluted product in a nitrogen flow and dissolve in isopro-
panol or actone (5 ml). Inject 10 to 20 µl into HPLC. The fatty
acid composition of the oil must be checked to ensure that is the
same before and after purification, within the accuracy range of the
analysis method adopted.;1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 34
▼M11
▼B
Figure 1
Chromatogram of a sample of soya oil
P = palmitic acid
L = linoleic acid
St = stearic acid
ln = linolenic acidO = oleic acid1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 35
▼B
Figure 2
Graphof log αagainst f (number of double bonds)
La = lauric acid
St = stearic acid
Ln = linoleic acidMy = myristic acidO = oleic acid
P = palmitic acid
L = linoleic acid1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 36
▼B
ANNEX IX
SPECTROPHOTOMETRICINVESTIGATIONINTHEULTRAVIOLET
FOREWORD
Spectrophotometric examination in the ultraviolet can provide information
on the quality of a fat, its state of preservation and changes brought about
in it by technological processes.
The absorption at the wavelengths specified in the method is due to the
presence of conjugated diene and triene systems. These absorptions are
expressed as specific extinctions E1%
1c m(the extinction of 1 % solution of
the fat in the specified solvent, in a thickness of 1 cm) conventionally indi-
cated by K (also referred to as ‘extinction coefficient’).
1. SCOPE
The method describes the procedure for performing a spectrophotometric
examination ►C1of olive oil in ◄the ultraviolet.
2. PRINCIPLE OF THE METHOD
The fat in question is dissolved in the required solvent and the extinction of
the solution is then determined at the specified wavelengths with reference
to pure solvent. Specific extinctions are calculated from the spectrophot-
ometer readings.
3. EQUIPMENT
3.1. A spectrophotometer for measuring extinction in the ultraviolet between
220 and 360 nm, with the possibility of reading individual nanometric
units.
3.2. Rectangular quartz cuvettes, with covers, having an optical length of 1 cm.
When filled with water or other suitable solvent the cuvettes should not
show differences between them of more than 0,01 extinction units.
3.3. 25 ml graduated flasks.
3.4. Chromatography column having an upper part 270 mm in length and a
diameter of 35 mm and a lower part 270 mm in length and a diameter of
approximately 10mm.
4. REAGENTS
4.1. Spectrophotometrically pure iso-octane (2,2,4-trimethylpentane). With
reference to distilled water this should have a transmittance of not less
than 60 % at 220 nm and not less than 95 % at 250 nm, or
— spectrophotometrically pure cyclohexane: with reference to distilled
water this should have a transmittance of not less than 40 % at 220 nm
and not less than 95 % at 250 nm.
4.2. Basic alumina for column chromatography prepared and checked as
described in Appendix I.
4.3. n-hexane, for chromatography.
5. PROCEDURE
5.1. The sample in question must be perfectly homogeneous and without
suspected impurities. Oils which are liquid at ambient temperature are to
be filtered through paper at a temperature of approximately 30 ºC, hard
fatsare to be homogenized and filtered at a temperature of not more than
10 ºC above the melting point.
5.2. Weigh accurately approximately 0,25 g of the sample so prepared into a
25 ml graduated flask, make up to the mark with the solvent specified and
homogenize. The resulting solution must be perfectly clear. If opalescence
or turbidity ispres ent filter quickly through paper.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 37
▼M6
▼B
▼M6
▼B
▼B
5.3. Fill a cuvette with the solution obtained and measure the extinctions at an
appropriate wavelength between 232 and 276 nm, using the solvent used as
a reference.
The extinction valuesrecorded mus t lie within the range 0,1 to 0,8. If not
the measurements must be repeated using more concentrated or more dilute
solutions as appropriate.
5.4. When a determination of specific extinction is required after passage over
alumina, proceed as follows. Place 30 g of basic alumina in suspension in
hexane in the chromatography column. After the adsorbent has settled
remove the excess hexane down to approximately 1 cm above the top of
the alumina.
Dissolve 10 g of the fat, homogenized and filtered as described in 5.1, in
100 ml of hexane and pour the solution into the column. Collect the eluate
and evaporate off all the solvent under vacuum at a temperature below
25 ºC.
Proceed immediately as specified in 5.2 using the fat so obtained.
6. EXPRESSION OF THE RESULTS
6.1. Record the specific extinctions (extinction coefficients) at the various
wavelengthscalculated asfollows :
Kλ¼Eλ
c/C1s
where:
Kλ= specific extinction at wavelengthλ;
Eλ= extinction measured at wavelength λ;
c = concentration of the solution in g/100 ml;
s= thicknes s of the cuvette in cm.
The results are to be expressed to two decimal places.
6.2. Spectrophotometric analysis of olive oil in accordance with the official
method in the EEC regulations specifies determination of the specific
extinction in iso-octane solution at wavelengths of 232 and 270 nm and
the determination K, which isgiven by:
∆K¼Km/C0Km/C04þKmþ4
2
where Kmisthe s pecific extinction at wavelength m, the wavelength for
maximum absorption around 270 nm.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 38
▼B
APPENDIX I
Preparation of the alumina and testing its activity
A.1.1. Preperation of the alumina
Place alumina which has been previously desiccated in a furnace at 380
to 400 ºC for three hoursinto a hermetically s ealed container, add
distilled water in the ratio of 5 ml per 100 g of alumina, immediately
close the container, shake repeatedly, and then allow to rest for at least
12 hoursbefore us e.
A.1.2. Checking the activity of the alumina
Prepare a chromatographic column with 30 g of alumina. Working as
described in paragraph 5.4 pass a mixture consisting of:
— 95 % virgin olive oil having a specific extinction of less than 0,18 at
268 nm,
— 5 % ground-nut oil treated with earth in the refining process, having
a specific extinction of not less than 4 at 268 nm
through the column.
If after passage through the column the mixture has a specific extinction
of more than 0,11 at 268 nm the alumina isacceptable, if not the level of
dehydration must be increased.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 39
▼B
APPENDIX II
Calibration of the spectrophotometer
A.2. The equipment must be checked at intervals (at least every six months)
for both wavelength response and the accuracy of the response.
A.2.1. The wavelength may be checked using a mercury vapour lamp or by
means of suitable filters.
A.2.2. In order to check the response of the photocell and the photomultiplier
proceed as follows: weigh 0,2000 g of pure potassium chromate for spec-
trophotometry and dissolve in 0,05 N potassium hydroxide solution in a
1 000 ml graduated flask and make up to the mark. Take precisely 25 ml
of the solution obtained, transfer to a 500 ml graduated flask and dilute
up to the mark using the same potassium hydroxide solution.
Measure the extinction of the solution so obtained at 275 nm, using the
potassium hydroxide solution as a reference. The extinction measured
using a 1 cm cuvette should be 0,200 ± 0,005.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 40
▼B
ANNEX X A
ANALYSIS BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY OF METHYL ESTERS OF
FATTYACIDS
1. SCOPE
Thismethod givesgeneral guidance for the application of gaschroma-
tography, using packed or capillary columns, to determine the
qualitative and quantitative composition of a mixture of fatty acid
methyl esters obtained in accordance with the method specified in
Annex X B.
The method isnot applicable to polymerized fatty acids .
2. REAGENTS
2.1.Carriergas
Inert gas(nitrogen, helium, argon, hydrogen, etc.), thoroughly dried and
with an oxygen content of less than 10 mg/kg.
Note 1. Hydrogen, which isus ed asa carrier gasonly with capillary
columns, can double the speed of analysis but is hazardous.
Safety devicesare available.
2.2.Auxiliarygases
2.2.1. Hydrogen (purity ≥99,9 %), feree from organic impurities.
2.2.2. Air or oxygen, free from organic impurities.
2.3.Reference standard
A mixture of methyl esters of pure fatty acids, or the methyl esters of a
fat of known composition, preferably similar to that of the fatty matter
to be analyzed.
Care shall be taken to prevent the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty
acids.
3. APPARATUS
The instructions given relate to the usual equipment used for gas chro-
matography, employing packed and/or capillary columnsand a flame-
ionization detector. Any apparatusgiving the efficiency and res olution
specified in 4.1.2 is suitable.
3.1.Gaschromatograph
The gas chromatograph shall comprise the following elements.
3.1.1. Injection system
Use an injection system either:
(a) with packed columns, having the least deadspace possible (in this
case the injection system shall be capable of being heated to a
temperature 20 to 50 ºC higher than that of the column); or
(b) with capillary columns, in which case the injection system shall be
specially designed for use with such columns. It may be of the split
type or it may be of the splitless on column injector type.
Note 2. In the absence of fatty acids with less than 16 carbon atoms, a
moving needle injector may be used.
3.1.2. Oven
The oven shall be capable of heating the column to a temperature of at
least 260 ºC and of maintaining the desired temperature to within 1 ºC
with a packed column and within 0,1 ºC with a capillary column. The
last requirement is particularly important when a fused silica tube is
used.
The use of temperature-programmed heating is recommended in all
cases, and in particular for fatty acids with less than 16 carbon atoms.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 41
▼B
3.1.3. Packed column
3.1.3.1. Column, constructed of a material inert to the substances to be analyzed
(i.e. glass or stainless steel) having the following dimensions:
(a) length: 1 to 3 m. A relatively short column should be used when
long-chain fatty acids(above C20) are present. When analyzing
acidswith 4 or 6 carbon atoms , it isrecommended that a column
2 m in length isus ed;
(b) internal diameter: 2 to 4 mm.
Note 3. If polyunsaturated components with more than three double
bonds are present, they may be decomposed in a stainless steel
column.
Note 4. A system with packed twin columns may be used.
3.1.3.2. Packing, comprising the following elements:
(a)support: acid-washed and silanized diatomaceous earth, or other
suitable inert support with a narrow range of grain size (25 µm
range between the limits125 to 200 µm) the average grain s ize
being related to the internal diameter and length of the column;
(b)stationary phase: polyester type of polar liquid (e.g. diethylene
glycol polysuccinate, butanediol polysuccinate, ethyleneglycol poly-
adipate, etc.) cyanosilicones or any other liquid permitting the
chromatographic separation required (see clause 4). The stationary
phase should amount to 5 to 20 % (m/m) of the packing. A non-
polar stationary phase can be used for certain separations.
3.1.3.3. Conditioning of the column
With the column disconnected, if possible, from the detector, gradually
heat the oven to 185 ºC and pass a current of inert gas through the
freshly prepared column at a rate of 20 to 60 ml/min for at least 16
hoursat thistemperature, and for a further 2 hoursat 195 ºC.
3.1.4. Capillary column
3.1.4.1. Tube, made of a material inert to the substances to be analysed (usually
glass or fused silica). The internal diameter shall be between 0,2 and
0,8 mm. The internal surface shall undergo an appropriate treatment
(e.g. surface preparation, inactivation) before receiving the stationary
phase coating. A length of 25 mm is sufficient in most cases.
3.1.4.2. Stationary phase, usually of the type polyglycol (poly(ethylene glycol)
20 000), polyester (butanediol polysuccinate) or polar polysiloxane
(cyanosilicones). Bonded (cross-linked) columns are suitable.
Note 5. There is a risk of polar polysiloxanes giving rise to difficulties
in the identification and separation of linolenic acid and C20acids.
The coatingss hall be thin, i.e, 0,1 to 0,2 µm.
3.1.4.3. Assembly and conditioning of the column
Observe the normal precautions for assembling capillary columns, i.e.
arrangement of the column in the oven (support), choice and assembly
of joints (leak tightness), positioning of the ends of the column in the
injector and the detector (reduction of dead-spaces). Place the columnunder a flow of carrier gas(e.g. 0,3 bar (30 kPa) for a column of length
25 mm and internal diameter 0,3 mm).
Condition the column by temperature programming of the oven at 3 ºC/
min from ambient temperature to a temperature 10 ºC below the
decomposure limit of the stationary phase. Maintain the oven at this
temperature for one hour until stabilization of the baseline. Return it
to 180 ºC to work under isothermal conditions.
Note 6. Suitably pre-conditioned columnsare available commercially.
3.1.5. Detector, preferably capable of being heated to a temperature above
that of the column.
3.2.Syringe
The syringe shall have a maximum capacity of 10 µl, and be graduated
in 0,1 µl divisions.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 42
▼B
3.3.Recorder
If the recorder curve is to be used to calculate the composition of the
mixture analysed, an electronic recorder of high precision, compatible
with the apparatus used, is required. The recorder shall have the
following characteristics:
(a) rate of response, below 1,5 s, preferably 1 s (the rate of response is
the time taken for the recording pen to pass from 0 to 90 %
following the sudden introduction of a 100 % signal);
(b) width of the paper, 20 cm minimum;
(c) paper speed, adjustable to values between 0,4 and 2,5 cm/min.
3.4.Integrator
Rapid and accurate calculation can be performed with the help of an
electronic integrator. This shall give a linear response with adequate
sensitivity, and the correction for deviation of the base-line shall be
satisfactory.
4. PROCEDURE
The operations described in 4.1 to 4.3 relate to the use of a flame-ioni-
zation detector.
Asan alternative a gaschromatograph employing a catharometer
detector (working on the principle of thermal conductivity changes)
may be used. The operating conditions are then modified as described
in clause 6.
4.1.Testconditions
4.1.1. Selection of optimum operating conditions4.1.1.1. Packed column
In the selection of the test conditions, the following variables should be
taken into account:
(a) the length and diameter of the column;
(b) the nature and amount of the stationary phase;
(c) the temperature of the column;
(d) the carrier gasflow;
(e) the resolution required;
(f) the size of the test portion, selected in such a way that the assembly
of the detector and electrometer gives a linear response;
(g) the duration of analysis.
In general, the valuesgiven in Table 1 and Table 2 will lead to the
desired results, i.e. at least 2 000 theoretical Iplates per metre of column
length for methyl stearate and its elution within about 15 minutes.
Where the apparatusallowsit, the injector s hould be at a temperature of
about 200 ºC and the detector at a temperature equal to or higher than
that of the column.
Asa rule, the ratio of the flow-rate of the hydrogen s upplied to the
flame-ionization detector to that of the carrier gasvariesfrom 1:2 to
1:1 depending on the diameter of the column. The flow of oxygen is
about 5 to 10 timesthat of the hydrogen.
Table 1
Internal diameter of column
mmCarrier gasflow
ml/min
21 5 t o 2 5
32 0 t o 4 0
44 0 t o 6 01991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 43
▼B
Table 2
Concentration of stationary phase
% (m/m)Column temperature
ºC
5 175
10 180
15 185
20 185
4.1.1.2. Capillary column
The propertiesof efficiency and permeability of capillary columns
mean that the separation between constituents and the duration of the
analysis are largely dependent on the flow-rate of the carrier-gas in the
column. It will therefore be necessary to optimize the operating condi-
tions by acting on this parameter (or more simply on the headloss of the
column), according to whether one wishes to improve the separations or
to make a rapid analysis.
4.1.2. Determination of the number of theoretical plates(efficiency) and res o-
lution (See Figure 1)
Carry out the analysis of a mixture of methyl stearate and methyl oleate
in about equivalent proportions(for example, methyl es tersfrom cocoa
butter).
Choose the temperature of the column and the carrier gas flow so that
the maximum of the methyl stearate peak is recorded about 15 minutes
after the solvent peak. Use a sufficient quantity of the mixture of
methyl esters that the methyl stearate peak occupies about three-quar-
tersof the full s cale.
Calculate the number of theoretical plates, n (efficiency), using the
formula:
n¼16dr1
ω1/C20/C21
2
and the resolution, R, using the formula:
R¼2∆
ω1þω2
where:
dr1is the retention distance, in millimetres, from the start of the
chromatogram to the maximum of the peak for methyl stea-
rate;
ω1andω2are the widths, in millimetres, of the peaks for methyl stea-
rate and methyl oleate respectively, measured between the
pointsof inters ection of the tangentsat the pointsof inflec-
tion of the curve with the base-line;
∆is the distance, in millimetres, between the peak maxima for
methyl stearate and methyl oleate;
and the resolution index, lr, using the formula
a
b
where:
a = the height of the smallest peak, measured from the base line;
b = the height of the lowest point of the valley between the two adja-
cent peaks, measured from the base line.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 44
▼M2
▼B
Figure1
Chromatogram for determining the number of theoretical plates(efficiency) and
resolution
The operating conditions to be selected are those which will afford at
least 2 000 theoretical plates per metre of column length for methyl
stearate and a resolution of at least 1,25.
4.2.Testportion
Using the syringe (3.2) take 0,1 to 2 µl of the solution of methyl esters
prepared according to Annex X B and inject them into the column.
In the case of esters not in solution, prepare a solution of approximately
100 mg/ml in heptane of chromatographic quality, and inject 0,1 to 1 ml
of thiss olution.
If the analysis is for constituents present only in trace amounts, the size
of the test portion may be increased (up to 10-fold).
4.3.Analysis
Generally, the operating conditions shall be those defined in 4.1.1.
Nevertheless, it is possible to work with a lower column temperature
when the determination of fatty acidswith fewer than 12 carbon atoms
isrequired, or at a higher temperature when determining fatty acids
with more than 20 carbon atoms. On occasion, it is possible to employ
temperature programming in both these cases. For example, if the
sample contains the methyl esters of fatty acids with fewer than 12
carbon atoms, inject the sample at 100 ºC (or at 50 to 60 ºC if butyric
acid is present) and immediately raise the temperature at a rate of 4 to
8 ºC/min to the optimum. In certain cases, the two procedures can be
combined.
After the programmed heating, continue the elution at a constant
temperature until all the componentshave been eluted. If the ins trument
doesnot have programmed heating, us e it at two fixed temperatures
between 100 and 195 ºC.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 45
▼B
If necessary, it is recommended that an analysis be carried out on two
fixed phases with different polarities to verify the absence of masked
peaks, for example in the case of the simultaneous presence of C18:3and C20:0,o rC18:3and C18:2conjugated.
4.4.Preparationofthereference chromatogramandreference graphs
Analyze the reference standard mixture (2.3) using the same operating
conditions as those employed for the sample, and measure the retention
times or retention distances for the constituent fatty acids. Construct on
semi-logarithmic paper, for any degree of unsaturation, the graphs
showing the logarithm of retention time or distance as a function of
the number of carbon atoms. In isothermal conditions, the graphs for
straight-chain acids of the same degree of unsaturation should be
straight lines. These lines should be approximately parallel.
It is necessary to avoid conditions such that ‘masked peaks’ exist, i.e.
where the resolution is insufficient to separate two constituents.
5. EXPRESSION OF RESULTS
5.1.Qualitativeanalysis
Identify the methyl ester peaks for the sample from the graphs prepared
in 4.4, if necessary by interpolation.
5.2.Quantitativeanalysis
5.2.1. Determination of the composition
Apart from exceptional cases, use the internal normalization method,
i.e. assume that the whole of the components of the sample are repre-
sented on the chromatogram, so that the total of the areas under the
peaks represents 100 % of the constituents (total elution).
If the equipment includesan integrator, us e the figuresobtained there-
from. If not, determine the area under each peak by multiplying the
height of the peak by its width at mid-height, and where necessary
take into account the variousattenuationsus ed during the recording.
5.2.2. Method of calculation
5.2.2.1. General case
Calculate the content of a given component i,expressed as a percentage
by mass of methyl esters, by determining the percentage represented by
the area of the corresponding peak relative to the sum of the areas of all
the peaks, using the following formula:
Ai
ΣA/C2100
where:
Aiisthe area under the peak corres ponding to component i;
ΣA is the sum of the areas under all the peaks.
Give the result to one decimal place.
Note 7: In this general case, the result of the calculation based on rela-
tive areas is considered to represent a percentage by mass. For
the cases in which this assumption is not allowed, see 5.2.2.2.
5.2.2.2. Use of correction factors
In certain cases, for example in the presence of fatty acids with fewer
than eight carbon atoms or of acids with secondary groups, when using
thermal conductivity detectorsor where the highes t degree of accuracy
is particularly required, correction factors should be used to convert the
percentagesof peak areasinto mas spercentagesof the components .
Determine the correction factorswith the help of a chromatogram
derived from the analysis of a reference mixture of methyl esters of
known composition, carried out under operating conditions identical
with those used for the sample.
For thisreference mixture, the percentage by mas sof component iis
given by the formula:1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 46
▼B
mi
Σm/C2100
where:
miisthe mas sof component i in the reference mixture;
Σm is the total of the masses of the various components of the refer-
ence mixture.
From the chromatogram of the reference mixture (4.4) calculate the
percentage (area/area) for component iasfollows :
Ai
ΣA/C2100
where:
Aiisthe area under the peak corres ponding to component i;
ΣA is the sum of the areas under all the peaks.
The correction factor isthen calculated as :
Ki¼mi/C2ΣA
Ai/C2Σm
Commonly, the correction factors are expressed relative to KC16, so that
the relative factorsbecome:
K0
i¼Ki
KC16
For the sample, the content of each component i, expressed as a percen-
tage by mass of methyl esters, is:
K0
i/C2Ai
ΣK0
i/C2Ai/C0/C1 /C2100
Give the results to one decimal place.
5.2.2.3. Use of an internal standard
In certain analyses (for example where not all of the fatty acids are
quantified, such as when acids with four and six carbons are present
alongside acids with 16 and 18 carbons, or when it is necessary to
determine the absolute amount of a fatty acid in a sample) it is neces-
sary to use an Internal Standard. Fatty acids with five, 15 or 17 carbons
are frequently used. The correction factor (if any) for the Internal Stan-
dard should be determined.
The percentage by mass of component i,expressed as methyl esters, is
then given by the formula:
ms/C2K0
i/C2Ai
m/C2K0
s/C2As/C2100
where:
Aiisthe area under the peak corres ponding to component i;
Asisthe area under the peak corres ponding to the Internal Standard;
K′iisthe correction factor for component i(relative to KC1);
K′sisthe correction factor for the Internal Standard (relative to KC16);
m is the mass, in milligrams, of the test portion;
msis the mass, in milligrams, of the Internal Standard.
Give the results to one decimal place.
6. SPECIAL CASE — DETERMINATION OF TRANS-ISOMERS
It is possible to determine the content of trans-isomers in fatty acids
with a number of carbon atomsbetween 10 and 24 by s eparating the
methyl esters using gas chromatography capillary columns having a
specific polarity.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 47
▼M2
▼M2
6.1. A capillary column made of silica having an internal diameter of
between 0,25 mm and 0,32 mm and a length of 50 m, coated with
cyanopropisilicon, the thickness of the coating being between 0,1 and
0,3 µm (type SP 2380, C.P. sil 88, silor 10 and similar types).
6.2. The methyl esters are prepared using the procedure set out in Annex X
B. As a precaution, fatty substances having a free acidity over 3 %
must be neutralized in accordance with 6.1 of Annex VII.
6.3. The operating conditionsfor gaschromatography are overall asfollows :
— column temperature set between 150 ºC and 230 ºC (for example
165 ºC for 15 minutesthen increas ing by 5 ºC a minute to 200 ºC);
— injector temperature: 250 ºC if the splitting system is used or the
initial temperature of the column if the on-column system is used;
— detector temperature: 260 ºC;— flow rate of the carrier gas(helium and hydrogen): 1,2 ml a minute.
The quantity injected must be such that in the conditions of sensitivity
employed the height of the peak corresponding to the methyl ester of
the arachidic acid isequal to or greater than 20 % of the bottom of
the scale.
6.4. Identification of the various methyl esters is effected on the basis of the
retention timeswhich are compared with thos e for the reference
mixtures(asindicated at point 2.3).
The esters of trans fatty acids are eluted before the corresponding cis-
isomers. An example of a chromatogram is given in figure 2.
Figure2:
Gas chromatogram of the trans-isomers of fatty acid using capillary column.
6.5. The efficiency of the column determined in accordance with point 4.1.2
must be such as to allow separation of certain critical couples, for
example the couple formed by the massif of the transisoleic acids and
the oleic acid peak, transC18:1/cisC18:1, with a res olution index
greater than 2.
6.6. The percentage of the varioustransfatty acidsiscalculated on the bas is
of the relationship between the surface of the relevant peak and the sum
of the surfaces of all the peaks present.
The percentagesof:
— the transoctadecenoic acids(T 18: 1) indicated in Annex I to this
Regulation as the sum of the transoleic isomers;
— the cis-trans and trans-cis octadecadienoic acids [(CT/TC) 18: 2]
indicated in Annex I to this Regulation as the sum of the translino-
leic isomers;1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 48
▼M2
— the trans-cis-trans, cis-cis-trans, cis-trans-cis, trans-cis-cis, octadeca-
trienoic acids[(TCT + CCT + CTC + TCC) 18: 3], indicated in
Annex I of this Regulation as the sum of the translinolenic isomers
are taken into account.
Note 8: Taking into account the particular characteristics of this
method, please give the results with 2 decimals.
►M27.◄SPECIAL CASE — USE OF A CATHAROMETER DETECTOR
(WORKING ON THE PRINCIPLE OF THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
CHANGES)
A gaschromatograph employing a detector working on the principle of
thermal conductivity changes (a catharometer) may also be used for the
determination of the qualitative and quantitative composition of a
mixture of fatty acid methyl esters. If it is used, the conditions specified
in clause 3 and clause 4 should be modified as shown in Table 3.
For quantitative analysis, use the correction factors defined in 5.2.2.2.
Table 3
Variable Value/condition
Column Length: 2 to 4 m
Internal diameter: 4 mm
Support Grain size between 160 and
200 µm
Concentration of stationary phase 15 to 25 % (m/m)
Carrier gasHelium or, failing this , hydrogen,
with aslow an oxygen content as
possible
Auxiliary gases None
Injector temperature From 40 to 60 ºC above that of
the column
Column temperature 180 to 200 ºC
Flow of carrier gasUs ually between 60 and 80 ml/
min
Size of test portion injected Usually between 0,5 and 2 µl
►M28.◄TEST REPORT
The test report shall specify the methods used for the preparation of the
methyl esters and for the gas chromatographic analysis, and the results
obtained. It shall also mention all operating details not specified in this
International Standard, or regarded asoptional, together with detailsof
any incidents which may have influenced the results.
The test report shall include all information necessary for the complete
identification of the sample.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 49
▼B
▼B
ANNEX X B
PREPARATION OF METHYL ESTERS OF FATTY ACIDS IN ACCOR-
DANCE WITH TITLES I AND II OF ANNEX VI TO REGULATION
(EEC)No72/77ORTHEMETHODDESCRIBEDBELOW
FOREWORD
The choice of process will be dictated by the acid composition and acidity
of the fatty substance under examination and the gas chromatography
analysis to be carried out.
More specifically:
— only sealed phial processes or processes using dimethyl sulphate can be
used for fatty substances containing fatty acids with fewer than 12
carbon atoms,
— only the methanol-hydrochloric acid or methyl sulphate processes can
be used for fatty substances with acidity of over 3 %,
— only processes using sodium methylate or dimethyl sulphate can be
used for gas chromatography measurements of trans-Isomers,
— the methanol-hexane-sulphuric acid process must be used for the
preparation of the methyl esters of small quantities of fatty substances
from separation by thin layer chromatography.
The presence of unsaponifiables can be discounted, provided it does not
exceed 3 %, otherwise the methyl esters will have to be prepared from the
fatty acids.
1. SCOPE AND FIELD OF APPLICATION
A description is given of five processes for the preparation of methyl esters
from fatty substances:
(a) with sodium methylate;
(b) with sodium methylate in a sealed phial;
(c) with methanol-hydrochloric acid in a sealed phial;
(d) with dimethyl sulphate;
(e) with methanol-hexane-sulphuric acid.
ProcessA
2. PRINCIPLE
The fatty substance which is being subjected to analysis is heated under
reflux with methyl alcohol and sodium methylate. The methyl esters
obtained are extracted with ethyl ether.
3. APPARATUS
3.1. 100 ml flask with a reflux condenser with a soda lime tube fitted to the top,
with ground glass joints.
3.2. 50 ml measuring glasses.
3.3. 5 ml measuring pipette marked off in 0,1 ml.
3.4. 250 ml separating funnels.3.5. 200 ml flask.
4. REAGENTS
4.1. Anhydrousmethanol.4.2. Solution of approximately 1 % sodium methylate in methanol; this is
prepared by dissolving 0,34 g of metallic sodium in 100 ml of anhydrous
methanol.
4.3. Ethyl ether.
4.4. 10 % sodium chloride solution.4.5. 40 to 60 ºC petroleum ether.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 50
▼B
5. PROCEDURE
5.1. Place in the 100 ml flask 2 g of the fatty substance which has previously
been dried out on sodium sulphate and filtered. Add 35 ml of methanol, fit
the condenser and boil under reflux a few minutes.
5.2. Stop the heating process, remove the condenser and add rapidly 3,5 ml of
sodium methylate solution; refit the condenser and boil under reflux for at
least 3 hours. Methylation is complete when all the fatty substance has
liquified and the reagent mixture isperfectly clear at room temperature.
5.3. Cool and pour the reagent mixture into a 250 ml separating funnel, add 35
to 40 ml of ethyl ether, 100 ml of water and 5 to 6 ml of 10 % sodium
chloride solution. Shake and allow the layers to separate. Transfer the
aqueous phase to a second separating funnel and extract once again with
25 ml of ethyl ether.
Add 50 ml of 40 to 60 ºC petroleum ether to the combined ether extracts.
Water will be separated and can be eliminated.
Wash the ether phase three times with 10 to 15 ml of water, dry on sodium
sulphate and filter through paper, collecting the filtrate in the 200 ml flask.
Evaporate the solvent to 20 ml, completing the process over a water bath in
a current of pure nitrogen.
Process B
2. PRINCIPLE
The fatty substance which is being subjected to analysis is treated with
sodium methylate in a methanol solution, in a sealed phial, at 85 to 90 ºC.
3. APPARATUS
3.1. Strong glass phial with a capacity of approximately 5 ml (height 40 to
45 mm, diameter 14 to 16 mm).
3.2. 1 ml measuring pipette marked off in 0,1 ml.
4. REAGENTS
4.1. Solution of approximately 1,5 % sodium methylate in methanol. This is
prepared by dissolving 0,50 g of metallic sodium in 100 ml of anhydrous
methanol.
5. PROCEDURE
5.1. Place in the glass phial 2 g of the fatty substance, which has previously
been dried out on sodium sulphate and filtered. Add 0,3 g (approximately
0,4 ml) of sodium methylate solution and heat seal the phial.
5.2. Immerse the phial for 2 hours at 85 ºC to 90 ºC, shaking from time to time.
The esterification process is complete when the contents of the phial are
clear after sedimentation of the glycerine and the residue of the reagents.
5.3. Cool at room temperature. Open the phial when the methyl esters are to be
used. These do not require any further treatment before being placed in the
gaschromatography apparatus .
ProcessC
2. PRINCIPLE
The fatty substance which is being subjected to analysis is treated with
methanol-hydrochloric acid, in a sealed phial, at 100 ºC.
3. APPARATUS
3.1. Strong glass phial with a capacity of approximately 5 ml (height 40 to
45 mm, diameter 14 to 16 mm).
3.2. 1 and 2 ml calibrated pipettes.
4. REAGENTS
4.1. Solution of hydrochloric acid in 2 % methanol. Thisisprepared from
gaseous hydrochloric acid and anhydrous methanol (Note 1).
4.2. Hexane for gaschromatography.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 51
▼B
5. PROCEDURE
5.1. Place in the glass phial 0,2 g of the fatty substance, which has previously
been dried out on sodium sulphate and filtered, and 2 ml of hydrochloric
acid-methanol solution. Heat seal the phial.
5.2. Immerse the phial at 100 ºC for 40 minutes.5.3. Cool the phial under running water, open, add 2 ml of distilled water and
1 ml of hexane. Centrifuge and remove the hexane phase which is ready for
use.
ProcessD
2. PRINCIPLE
The fatty substance which is being subjected to analysis is saponified with
a methyl alcohol solution of potassium hydroxide, and then treated with
dimethyl sulphate. When hydrochloric acid is added, the methyl esters
which have formed are automatically separated. Very pure methyl esters
are obtained by subsequent treatment with alumina.
3. APPARATUS
3.1. Strong test tube with a capacity of approximately 20 ml, with 10/19 ground
glass stopper and safety clips.
3.2. Reflux condensers, with 10/19 ground glass attachment.3.3. Glass filters with sintered disc, G 2 size, 20 mm diameter.
3.4. Glass test tubes with a capacity of approximately 10 ml and a conical base.
3.5. 1 ml and 5 ml syringes.
4. REAGENTS
4.1. Potassium hydroxide, 10 % solution in methyl alcohol for gas chromato-
graphy.
4.2. Green bromocresol indicator: 0,05 % solution in methyl alcohol.
4.3. Dimethyl sulphate (p = 1,335 at 15 ºC).4.4. Concentrated hydrochloric acid (p = 1,19) diluted in equal partswith
methyl alcohol for gaschromatography.
4.5. Brockmann aluminium oxide for adsorption chromatography.
5. PROCEDURE
5.1. Place in the 20 ml test-tube 2,2 ml of the fatty substance, which has
previously been dried out on sodium sulphate and filtered. Add 5 ml of
the potassium hydroxide solution and a few quartz granules to control
boiling. Attach the reflux condenser and heat over a low flame for five
minutes, shaking. Saponification will be complete when the solution is
clear. Finally, cool with running water and remove the condenser.
5.2. Add two drops of the indicator and, using a syringe, 1 ml of dimethyl
sulphate, slowly. Seal the test tube hermetically and shake for two to three
minutes, immersing the bottom of the test tube in a boiling water bath at
frequent intervals. The reaction is complete when the indicator changes
from blue to yellow. Finally, cool the test tube under running water, then
open and add 5 ml of the hydrochloric acid methanol solution.
5.3. After shaking for a few seconds, lay the test tube at an angle and then tap it
lightly. This will help the methyl esters to rise to the surface in the form of
an oily mass (Note A).
Remove the methyl esters with a syringe, place in a test tube with a conical
base, add a volume of alumina equal to approximately ¼ of the volume of
the methyl esters, shake and filter with filter paper.
Note A. If the methyl esters do not separate spontaneously, add 5 ml of
water to the test tube and shake.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 52
▼B
Process E
2. PRINCIPLE
The fatty substance which is being subjected to analysis is heated under
reflux with methanol-hexane-sulphuric acid. The methyl esters obtained
are extracted with petroleum ether.
3. APPARATUS
3.1. Test tube of a capacity of approximately 20 ml, fitted with an air reflux
condenser approximately 1 m in length, with ground glass joints.
3.2. 5 ml calibrated pipette.3.3. 50 ml separating funnel.
3.4. 10 ml and 25 ml measuring glasses.
3.5. 15 ml test tube with conical base.
4. REAGENTS
4.1. Methylation reagent: anhydrousmethanol-hexane-concentrated s ulphuric
acid (p = 1,84) in the ratio 75:25:1 (V/V/V).
4.2. 40 to 60 ºC petroleum ether.
4.3. Anhydrous sodium sulphate.
5. PROCEDURE
5.1. Place the matter taken from the plate in the 20 ml test tube and add 5 ml of
methylation reagent.
5.2. Fit the reflux condenser and heat for 30 minutes in a boiling water bath
(Note 2).
5.3. Transfer quantitatively the mixture into a 50 ml separating funnel, with the
aid of 10 ml distilled water and 10 ml petroleum ether. Shake vigorously,
and allow the phases to separate, remove the aqueous phase and wash the
ether layer twice with 20 ml distilled water. Add to the separating funnel a
small quantity of anhydrous sodium sulphate, shake, allow to settle for a
few minutesand filter, collecting the filtrate in a 15 ml tes t tube with a
conical base.
Evaporate the solvent over a water bath in a current of nitrogen.
Note 1. Small amounts of gaseous hydrochloric acid can easily be prepared
in the laboratory by simple displacement from the commercial
solution (p = 1,18) by dripping concentrated sulphuric acid (p
= 1,84). The liberated gasiseas ily dried by bubbling through
conc. sulphuric acid. Since hydrochloric acid is very rapidly
absorbed by methanol, it is advisable to take the usual precautions
in dissolving it, e.g. introduce the gas through a small inverted
funnel with the rim just touching the surface of the liquid. Large
quantitiesof methanolic hydrochloric acid s olution can be prepared
in advance, as it keeps perfectly in glass-stoppered bottles stored in
the dark.
Note 2. To control the boiling point insert a glass rod into the test tube and
limit the temperature of the water bath to 90 ºC.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 53
▼B
ANNEX XI
DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE HALOGENATED SOLVENTS
CONTENTOFOLIVEOIL
1. METHOD
Analysis by gas chromatography using the head space technique.
2. EQUIPMENT
2.1. Gaschromatography apparatusfitted with an electron capture detector
(ECD).
2.2. Head space apparatus.
2.3. Gas chromatography column, of glass, 2 m long and 2 mm in diameter,
stationary phase. OV101 10 % or equivalent, impregnating a calcined
diatomaceous earth, acid washed and silanised and of a particle size of 80
to 100 mesh.
2.4. Carrier and auxiliary gas: nitrogen for gas chromatography, suitable for
detection by electron capture.
2.5. Glass flasks, 10 to 15 ml, with teflon coating and aluminium stopper with
fitment for entry of syringe.
2.6. Hermetically sealing clamps.
2.7. Gass yringe 0,5 to 2 ml.
3. REAGENTS
Standard: halogenated solvents of a degree of purity suitable for gas chro-
matography.
4. PROCEDURE
4.1. Exactly weigh around 3 g of oil in a glass flask (not to be reused); herme-
tically seal it. Place it in a thermostat at 70 ºC for one hour. Using a
syringe carefully remove 0,2 to 0,5 ml of the head space. Inject this into
the column of the gaschromatography apparatusregulated asfollows :
— injector temperature: 150 ºC,
— column temperature: 70 to 80 ºC,
— detector temperature: 200 to 250 ºC.
Other temperatures may also be used provided the results remain equiva-
lent.
4.2. Reference solutions: prepare standard solutions using refined olive oil with
no trace of solvents with concentrations ranging from 0,05 to 1 ppm (mg/
kg) and corresponding to the presumed content of the sample. The haloge-
nated solvents may be diluted using pentane.
4.3. Quantitative assessment: correlate the surfaces or the elevations of the
peaks of the sample and of the standard solution of the concentrationpresumed closest. If the deviation is greater than 10 % the analysis must
be repeated in comparison with another standard solution until the devia-
tion iswithin 10 %. The content isdetermined on the bas isof the average
of the elementary injections.
4.4. Expression of results: in ppm (mg/kg). The detection limit for the method
is0,01 mg/kg.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 54
▼B
ANNEX XII
ORGANOLEPTICASSESSMENTOFVIRGINOLIVEOIL
1. SCOPE
The purpose of this method is to determine the criteria needed to assess
the flavour characteristics of virgin olive oil and to develop the metho-
dology required to do so.
2. FIELD OF APPLICATION
The method described is only applicable to the organoleptic assessment
and classification of virgin olive oil that can be used for direct consump-
tion. It confines itself to grading the virgin oil on a numerical scale
related to the perception of itsflavour s timuli, according to the judgement
of a group of selected tasters working as a panel.
3. GENERAL BASIC VOCABULARY FOR SENSORY ANALYSIS
See the Chapter entitled ‘Sensory analysis: general basic vocabulary’.
4. SPECIFIC VOCABULARY FOR OLIVE OIL
4.1. Pleasant sensations, produced by the attributes and characteristics of
quality in olive oils:
Fruity: flavour which is reminiscent of both the odour and taste of sound,
fresh fruit picked as its optimum stage of ripeness.
Ripely fruity: flavour of olive oil obtained from ripe fruit, generally
having a somewhat flat odour and a sweet taste.
Green fruity: flavour of oil obtained from fruit that iss till unripe.
4.2. Sensations that may be pleasant to varying degrees, depending on the
intensity with which they are perceived, and which cannot be considered
defectsalthough they do affect the fruity wholenes sof the oil:
Apple: flavour of olive oil which isreminis cent of thisfruit.
Sweet: pleasant taste, not exactly sugary, but found in oil in which the
bitter, stringent and pungent attributes do not predominate.
Grass: characteristic flavour of certain oils reminiscent of recently mown
grass.
Green leaves (bitter): flavour of oil obtained from excessively green
olivesor olivesthat have been crus hed with leavesand twigs .
Bitter: characteristic taste of oils obtained from green olives or olives
turning colour. It can be more or less pleasant depending on its intensity.
Harsh: characteristic sensation of certain oils which when tasted produce
a mouthfeel reaction of astringency.
Pungent: biting taste sensation characteristic of oils produced at the start
of the crop year, primarily from olives that are still unripe. It is caused by
the action of phenolic substances on the tips of the trigeminal nerve that
are spread over the entire mouth cavity.
Almond: this flavour may appear in two forms: that typical of the fresh
almond or that peculiar to dried, sound almonds which can be confused
with incipient rancidity. A distinctive taste is perceived as an aftertaste
when the oil remains in contact with the tongue and the palate. Asso-
ciated with sweet oils which have a flat odour.
Flat or smooth: flavour of olive oil whose organoleptic characteristics are
very weak owning to the loss of their aromatic components.
Hay:characteristic flavour of certain oils reminiscent of more or less
dried grass.
4.3. Sensations that are always unpleasant, even when their intensity is barely
perceptible, and which have to be considered organoleptic defects:
Esparto: characteristic flavour of oil obtained from olives pressed in new
esparto mats. The flavour may differ depending on whether the mats are
made of green esparto or dried esparto.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 55
▼M3
▼M3
Earthy: characteristic flavour of oil obtained from olives which have been
collected with earth or mud on them and not washed. This flavour may
sometimes be accompanied by a musty-humid flavour.
Old:characteristic flavour of oil that has been kept too long in storage
containers. May also appear in oils which have been packed for an exces-
sively long period.
Grubby: characteristic flavour of oil obtained from olives which have
been heavily attacked by the grubsof the olive fly (Dacusoleae).
Metallic: flavour that is reminiscent of metal. Characteristic of oils which
have been in prolonged contact, under unsuitable conditions, with food-
stuffs or metallic surfaces during crushing, mixing, pressing or storage.
Mustiness-humidity: characteristic flavour of oils obtained from fruit in
which large numbers of fungi and yeasts have developed, as a result of
its being stored in piles, in humid conditions, for several days.
Rancid: characteristic flavour common to all oils and fats that have
undergone a process of auro-oxidation caused by prolonged contact with
the air. Thisflavour isunpleas ant and cannot be corrected.
‘Atrojado’ (fusty): characteristic flavour of oil obtained from olives stored
in pileswhich have undergone an advance s tage of fermentation.
Brine: flavour of oil extracted from oliveswhich have been pres erved in
saline solutions.
Pomace: characteristic flavour that is reminiscent of the flavour of olive
pomace.
Soapy: flavour producing an olfactory-gustatory sensation reminiscent of
that produced by green soap.
Vegetable water: characteristic flavour acquired by the oil as a result of
poor decantation and prolonged contact with vegetable water.
Winey-vinegary: characteristic flavour of certain oils reminiscent of wine
or vinegar. Due mainly to the formation of acetic acid, ethyl acetate and
ethanol in larger amountsthan isus ual in the aroma of olive oil.
Cucumber: flavour produced when an oil ishermetically packed for too
long, particularly in tin containers, and which is attributed to the forma-
tion of 2,6 nonadienal.
Heated or burnt: characteristic flavour of oils caused by excessive and/or
prolonged heating during processing, particularly when the paste is ther-
mally mixed, if this is done under unsuitable conditions.
Muddy sediment: characteristic flavour of oil recovered from the decanted
sediment in vats and underground tanks.
Pressing mat: characteristic flavour of oil obtained from olives that have
been pressed in dirty pressing mats in which fermented residues have
been left.
Greasy: odour of olive oil extracted in a plant where residues of petro-
leum, grease or mineral oil have not been properly removed from the
machinery.
Rough: characteristic perception in certain oils which, when tasted,
produce a thick, pasty mouthfeel sensation.
5. GLASS FOR OIL TASTING
See the Chapter entitled ‘Glass for oil tasting’.
6. TEST ROOM
See the Chapter entitled ‘Guide for the installation of a test room’.
7. APPARATUS
The following apparatus, which is required by the taster to perform his
task properly, shall be supplied in each booth and shall be within easy
reach:
— glasses (standardized) containing the samples marked with a legend
consisting of two randomly-picked figures or of two figures and
letters. The marks shall be made with an indelible, odourless pencil,
— watch-glasses with identical marks, to cover the glasses,1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 56
▼B
▼B
— grading sheet (see Figure 2) containing the instructions for its use,
— pencil or pen,
— small trays of sliced apple,
— glass of water at ambient temperature.
8. METHODOLOGY
This section stipulates the prior knowledge required to perform the
sensory analysis of virgin olive oils and attempts to standardize the
conduct and procedure of the tasters participating in such tests who must
be aware of both the general and specific recommendations for olive oil
tasting.
8.1.Dutiesofthepanelorganizer orsupervisor (or panel)
The panel organizer shall be a suitably trained, knowledgeably person
who isan expert on the kindsof oilswhich he will come acros sin the
course of his work. He is the key figure in the panel and is responsible
for its organization and running. He shall summon the tasters sufficiently
in advance and shall clarify any doubts they may have as regards the
performance of the tests, but shall refrain from suggesting any opinion
to them on the sample.
He shall be responsible for inventorying the apparatus and for ensuring
that it isproperly cleaned, for preparing and coding the s amplesand
presenting them to the taster in accordance with the appropriate experi-
mental design, as well as for assembling and statistically processing the
data obtained, so that the best results are obtained with the minimum ofeffort.
The work of the panel supervisor calls for sensory skill, meticulousness
in the preparation of the tests and their rigorous arrangement, as well as
for skill and patience in the planning and execution of the tests. It is the
duty of the panel supervisor to stimulate the morale of the panel members
by encouraging interests, curiosity and a competitive spirit among them.
He shall ensure that his opinion is not known and shall prevent possible
leaders from asserting their criteria over the other tasters. He shall also be
responsible for training, selecting and monitoring the tasters in order to
ascertain whether they are keeping up to an adequate level of aptitude.
8.2.Testconditions
8.2.1. Sample size
Each glass shall contain 15 ml of oil.
8.2.2. Test temperature
The oil samples to be tested shall be kept in the glasses at 28 ºC ± 2 ºC.
This temperature has been chosen because it is the best for easily obser-
ving organoleptic differences, at normal temperature, when oils are used
asa condiment. Another factor that tendsto weigh in favour of thisvalue
isthat at higher or lower temperatureseither the aromatic components
scarcely volatilize or volatile components are produced that are peculiar
to heated oils.
8.2.3. Test times
The morning is the best time for testing oils. It has been proved that there
are optimum perception periods as regards taste and smell during the day.
Meals are preceded by a period in which olfactory-gustatory sensitivity
increases, whereas afterwards this perception decreases.
However, thiscriterion s hould not be taken to the extreme where hunger
may distract the tasters, thus decreasing their discriminatory capacity and,
in particular, their preference and acceptance criteria.
9. TASTERS
The people acting as tasters in the organoleptic tests carried out on edible
olive oils shall be trained and selected in accordance with their skills in
distinuishing between similar samples; it should be borne in mind that
their accuracy will improve with training (see appropriate section).
Eight to 12 tasters are required for the test, although it is wise to keep
some extra tasters in reserve to cover possible absences.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 57
▼B
9.1.General recommendationsforcandidatesandtasters
These recommendations apply to the conduct of the candidates and tasters
during their work.
When called by the panel supervisor to participate in an organoleptic test,
the taster should be able to attend at the time set beforehand and shall
observe the following:
9.1.1. He shall not smoke at least 30 minutes before the time set for the test.9.1.2. He shall not use any perfume, cosmetic or soap whose small could linger
until the time of the test. He shall use an unperfumed or slightly
perfumed soap to wash his hands which he shall then rinse and dry as
often as necessary to eliminate any smell.
9.1.3. He shall fast at least one hour before the tasting is carried out.9.1.4. Should he feel physically unwell, and in particular if his sense of smell or
tas te isaffected, or if he isunder any ps ychological effect that prevents
him from concentrating on his work, the taster shall inform the panel
supervisor accordingly with a view to being withdrawn from the test or
to the appropriate decisions being taken, bearing in mind the possible
deviation in the mean valuesfor the res t of the panel.
9.1.5. When he has complied with the above, the taster shall take up his place
in the booth allotted to him in asorderly and quiet a manner aspos s ible.
9.1.6. When seated, he shall check that he has the correct apparatus and that it
is properly arranged, and shall ensure that the legend on the glass matchs
the legend on the watch-glass.
9.1.7. He shall carefully read the instructions given on the grading sheet and
shall not begin to examine the sample until absolutely sure about the
task he has to perform. If any doubts should arise, he shall discuss the
difficulties encountered privately with the panel supervisor.
9.1.8. The taster shall pick up the glass, keeping it covered with the watch-
glass, and shall bend it gently; he shall then rotate the glass fully in this
position so as to wet the inside as much as possible. Once this stage is
completed, he shall remove the watch-glass and smell the sample taking
even, slow deep breaths until he has formed a criterion on the oil under
assessment. Smelling shall not exceed 30 seconds. If no conclusion has
been reached during this time, he shall take a short rest before trying
again. When the olfactory test has been performed, the taster shall then
judge the flavour (overall olfactory-gustatory-tactile sensation). To do
so, he shall take a small sip of approximately 3 ml of oil. It is very
important to distribute the oil throughout the whole of the mouth cavity,
from the front part of the mouth and tongue along the sides to the back
part and to the palate support, since it is a known fact that the perception
of the four primary tastes, sweet, salty, acid and bitter varies in intensity
depending on the area of the tongue and palate.
It should be stressed that it is essential for a sufficient amount of the oil
to be spread very slowly over the back of the tongue towards the throat
while the taster concentrates on the order in which the bitter and pungent
stimuli appear; if this is not done, both of these stimuli may escape notice
in some oils or else the bitter stimulus may be obscured by the pungent
stimulus.
Taking short, successive breaths, drawing in air through the mouth,
enables the taster not only to spread the sample extensively over the
whole of the mouth but also to perceive the volatile aromatic components
via the back of the nose.
Tactile sensation shall also be taken into consideration. Consequently,
fluidity, stickiness and sharpness or sting shall be noted down when
detected, and if so required for the test, their intensity shall be quantified.
9.1.9. When organoleptically assessing a virgin olive oil, only one sample shall
be evaluated in each session to avoid the contrast effect that could be
produced by immediately tasting other samples.
As successive tastings produce fatigue or loss of sensitivity, it is impor-
tant to use a product that can eliminate the remains of the oil from the
preceding tasting from the mouth.
The use of a small slice of apple (about 15 g) is recommended which,
after being chewed, can be spat out into the spittoon. Then rinse out the
mouth with a little water at ambient temperature. At least 15 minutes
shall lapse between the end of one tasting and the start of the next.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 58
▼B
9.2.Screeningofcandidates.
This stage shall be completed by the panel organizer who shall personally
interview the candidates to familiarize himself with their personality and
surrounding environment. The physio-psychological conditions that have
to be met are not very rigorous since, theoretically, any normal person
should be able to participate. Factors such as sex, age, specific habits
(smoking), etc. have been superseded nowadays by others such as health,
personal interest and having time available for the work.
During the interview, the panel organizer shall explain the characteristics
of histas k to the candidate and approximately how much time it will take
up. He shall then obtain information from the candidate allowing him to
assess his interest and motivation and how much real time he has avail-
able. The following questionnaire could help as a reference.
(1)
The organiser shall use this information to screen the candidates and shall
reject those who show little interest in this kind of work, are not readily
available or who are incapable of expressing themselves clearly.
9.3.Determination of the ‘mean threshold’ of the group for ‘character-
isticattributes’
Carefully choose four oils, each one of which is considered representative
of one of the following attributes: ‘atrojado’ (fusty), winey, rancid and
bitter, and has as great and clear an intensity as possible.
Take an aliquot part of each oil and prepare samples, each of whose
concentrations differs by a ratio of 2, comprising successive dilutations
with the appropriate support until no difference can be detected between
the glass containing the support only and the last two or three dilutions.
The last pair shall be two glasses of the support.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 59
(1) Describe what could be gained from the organoleptic assessment of any foodstuff, or, if
you wish, of olive oil.
▼B
Complete the series with glasses containing higher concentrations, until a
total of eight isreached.
Prepare sufficient amounts of the samples prepared at different concentra-
tions so that complete series of each attribute can be given to each
candidate.
To establish the ‘mean threshold’ of the candidates for each attribute,
give each of them one glass containing 15 ml of any one of the prepared
concentrations, and another glass containing 15 ml of the support solely.
After performing the test, the candidate shall indicate whether they are
the same or different.
Repeat the same test for the remaining concentrations of the attribute
under consideration.
Note down the number of correct answers obtained for each concentration
by all the tas tersand give thisfigure asa percentage of the number of
tests performed.
Then plot as abscissae, in ascending order, the concentrations tested and
asordinatesthe % of correct identificationsfor each concentration.
Figure 1 is a practical example of these instructions. The detection
threshold is determined by extrapolating the ordinate point representing
75 % correct appraisals from the curve onto the abscissae.
This‘thres hold’ concentration, which may be different for each initial oil
because it depends on the intensity of the attribute present, should be
similar for the different groups of candidates to various panels; it is not
linked to any habit or tendentiouspreference. Cons equently, it isa point
of reference common to any normal human group and may be used to
homogenize the various panels by their olfactory-gustatory sensitivity
alone.
On the basis of the threshold concentration obtained for the group,
proceed asfollows :
Prepare a series of increasing and decreasing concentrations in such a
way that the ‘threshold concentration’ holds the 10th place in this scale.
Naturally, the 11th and 12th concentrationswill be more diluted, asa
result of which it will be more difficult to detect the presence of the oil
possessing the selected attribute.
Taking the C10concentration as the basis, remaining samples can be
prepared in accordance with the following formula:
C10×an, where ‘a’ isa cons tant, the dilution factor, which isequal to 1,5,
and ‘n’ isthe exponent which variesbetween 9 and − 2.
Example: assuming that the threshold obtained for rancid oil is 0,32; C10= 0,32, on the basis of which, since ‘a’ = 1,5, the series of samples would
have the following concentrations:
Example 1 2 3456789 1 0 1 1 1 2
Concentration 12,30 8,20 5,47 3,65 2,43 1,62 1,08 0,72 0,48 0,32 0,21 0,14
If the above procedure isrepeated for the three remaining attributeson
the basis of their respective thresholds which are also calculated as indi-
cated above, scales with similar aromatic intensities for each stimulus
will be obtained for all the laboratories, even though the defects of the
initial oils may be perceptible at different intensities.
9.4.Selection oftastersbytheintensityratingmethod
In the selection procedure, there should be two to three times more candi-
dates than those required for the panel so that the people with the best
sensitivity or powers of discrimination can be picked out. It is always
advisable to use the same product as the one that is to be subsequently
analysed (consequently, olive oil will always be used).1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 60
▼B
Figure1
When selecting the method, it should not be overlooked that, apart from
being effective, the procedure adopted should be as economical as
possible as regards the quantity of oil, the number of samples to be sent
and the time spent on selection. The effectivencess of a selection proce-
dure liesin the choice of the optimum levelsof the following three
dependent variables: (a) ‘cost’ determined by the number of tests; (b)
‘proportion’ of potentially suitable candidates who by chance have been
unfortunately eliminated during screening; and (c) ‘proportion’ of candi-
dates who by chance have got through the selection process although
unsuitable material.
Four points of the selection procedure chosen, the intensity rating test,
which is described in the ASTM (American Society for Testing and
Materials), STP (Special Technical Publication) No 440, page 53, havebeen modified by:
1. decreasing the number of samples in the series;
2. broadening the range of stimuli with a view to increasing the number
of olfactory-gustatory notes on which selection is based, so as to adapt
them to the most common defects perceived in olive oil;
3. varying the concentration ratios in the series; and
4. statistically processing the results.
Apparatus required— 1 500 ml bottles or glass flasks,
— dark-coloured tasting glasses,
— graduated 10, 15, 1 000 and 1 500 ml test tubes.
Products required
— Merck paraffin (reference 7 160, DAB 8, USP XX) or oily support
without taste or odour (recently refined olive oil or another similar
oil),
— oils: ‘atrojado’ (fusty), winey, rancid and bitter.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 61
▼B
9.4.1. Procedure
After preparing the dilutions, go on the selection stage beginning with 25
candidates, in accordance with the methodology described hereafter for
each stimulus:
1. Prepare series of 12 tasting glasses marked with a code (one series per
candidate). Pour 15 ml of each of the variousconcentrationsprepared
according to the formula C10xan, into each respective tasting glass.
2. When the tasting glasses have been filled up, they should be left
covered with a watch-glass in the tasting room at a temperature of 20
to 22 ºC for at least an hour before starting the tests so as to homoge-
nize their temperature with the ambient temperature.
3. The organizer shall then arrange the 12 tasting glasses of each series
in a row in descending order of concentration.
The next step is to ask each candidate to do the test on his own, in
accordance with the following instructions:
9.4.2. Instructions for candidates
The 12 tasting glasses lined up in front of the candidates contain dilutions
of any one of the ‘atrojado’ (fusty), winey, rancid or bitter stimuli. The
distinguishing factor between the contents of the tasting glasses is the
intensity of the odour. The glass with the most intense odour is on the
far left-hand side and the rest of the glasses are placed in descending
order of intensity towards the right. The last tasting glass on the right
may have such a weak odour that it will perhaps be impossible to detect.
Proceed as follows: become familiar with the odour of each of the tasting
glasses in the series. To do so, begin at the right hand side (No 12) and
try to retain the intensity of all the odours, without becoming overtired.
When you feel that you have got used to the scale of concentrations of
the odours, leave the room.
Meanwhile, the organizer shall remove one of the tasting glasses from the
series and shall place it on a level with the last one on the right-hand
side, moving all the others together so as to fill in the space left. Then
return to the room and carry on with the test.
The test involves the following:
The tasting glass withdrawn from the series has to be put back in its
exact place. To do so, smell it and compare it with the others as often
as wished, bearing in mind that if it is to be replaced correctly it must
smell stronger than the sample on its immediate right and weaker than
that on its left. This test will be repeated with three other glasses.
Each candidate shall be issued a form, in addition to the instructions just
described, so as to make the test and the collection of the replies easier.
9.4.3. Obtaining the results
The panel organizer shall record the data for each of the candidates in the
following manner to facilitate their arrangement:
1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 62
▼B
9.4.4. Statistical grading procedure
In this particular selection case, the tasting glasses that have to be
replaced in their exact position shall be the same for all the candidates.
According to the statistical calculations done for this purpose, they shall
correspond to the following positions in the order of the series as regards
each attribute:
‘Atrojado’
— Fusty (Fy)Winey (W) Rancid (Rd) Bitter (Bt)
Glass No Glass No Glass No Glass No
(10, 5, 7, 2) (11, 3, 8, 6) (7, 4, 10, 2) (6, 3, 11, 9)
The number corresponding to the position of the glasses in the order of
the series may not vary since the statistical calulations for this test have
been done with an eye to the probability of the glasses being randomly
put back into their exact position.
In order to make it extremely difficult for any information to be passed
on from one candidate to another, the panel organizer shall ensure that:
1. there is no possible means of contact between the candidates. Different
legends shall be used for each candidate;
2. there isno way in which the candidatescan find out the pos ition of
the glasses which have been withdrawn;
3. even thouch all the candidates shall be presented with the same glasses
indicated earlier on, the order in which they are handed over to each
candidate shall vary.
Each candidate shall then be given a grading, depending on his perfor-
mance in the following manner:
Let ei
1,ei
2,…ei
12be the 12 glasses with the 12 corresponding concentra-
tionsof attribute ‘i’ (i may be any one of the four attributes : ‘atrojado’ —
fusty, winey, rancid and bitter) arranged in descending order of intensity.
Let ei
kbe one of the glasses picked and K ′the position it is allocated by
the candidate when replaced in the series. Therefore, the values of K and
K′are whole numbers between 1 and 12 inclusive, corresponding to the
real place number of the glass chosen and that allocated by the candidate
respectively.
Let T (maximum permitted deviation) be a value set beforehand, which
in our case is equal to 3, so that if K ′−K > T, the candidate isautomati-
cally rejected(1).
If, on the contrary, K ′−K≤T, theoretically the candidate isaccepted and
may go on with the test since he or she is able to put the stimulus back
into its exact position or at least very near it.
In this case, the grading awarded a candidate who has assessed a set
stimulus (concentration), for instance in the ‘atrojado’ — fusty series
(Fy), shall be equal to the square of the difference between the exact
number of the glass in the order of the series and the position in which
the candidate hasreplaced it. That isto s ay
Ph(Fy)=( K′−K)2.
Since thisoperation will be conducted by each candidate on four s timuli
(concentrations) of each attribute, the partial grading for the attribute
(e.g.Fy) would be:
ZFy=PFy
h+PFy
j+PFy
l+PFy
m
Some examplesare given below to facilitate comprehens ion of thisopera-
tion.
Example 1:
Let us assume that the answers given by candidate A for the four stimuli
withdrawn from the series for attribute (i) are as follows:1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 63
(1) The panel organizer should press the candidate to proceed reasonably, that is to say
without losing any sensitivity through olfactory fatigue.
▼B
Exact position of the
glass in the series
(K)Position in which it
wasreplaced by the
candidate
(K′)Deviation from the exact posi-
tion
(K′−K)
7 7 7−7=0
4 5 4−5=−1
10 6 10 − 6 = 4 (1)
2 4 2−4=−2
(1) This candidate is rejected because he has obtained T > 3 in the test.
Example 2:
Let us assume that a candidate rearranges the glasses for an attribute as
follows:
Exact position of the
glass in the series
(K)Position in which it
wasreplaced by the
candidate
(K′)Deviation from the exact posi-
tion
(K′−K)
7 7 7−7=0
4 4 4−4=0
10 7 10 − 7 = 3
2 3 2−3=−1
Thiscandidate isnot rejected. He hasobtained a grading of:
Zi=O2+O2+32+ (−1)2=1 0
The candidate's final grading, sealing his acceptance or rejection or selec-
tion as a taster, depending on his responses to the four attributes under
consideration, would be as follows:
PhFy+PjFy+PlFy+PmFy=ZFy
PhW+PjW+PlW+PmW=ZW
PhRd+PjRd+PlRd+PmRd=ZRd
PhBt+PjBt+PlBt+PmBt=ZBt
Z final = ZFy…ZBt
Where:
Fy = ‘Atrojado’ — fusty
W = WineyRd = RancidBt = Bitter
It isnow a ques tion of determining up to what maximum value for Z the
candidate can be considered to have good levels of perception, olfactory
retention and intellectual organization to give the correct answer for the
four stimuli considered. Obviously, Z always has a non negative value
and Z = 0 meansthat the candidate hasrecognized and correctly quanti-
fied the whole of the 16 intensities presented (four for each attribute).
Valuesof Z other than zero indicate that the candidate hasrecognized
the scale areas from which the selected intensities have been picked, but
within these areas has been unable to locate the exact position because
his ability to discriminate the scale of intensity presented to him for one
or more of the stimuli is not satisfactory.
Therefore, a critical value (Z
c) will have to be determined such that
should the candidate randomly replace all the glasses inside the areas he
had recognized beforehand, the probability of a final grading Z, less than
Zc, is a sufficiently small quantity ( α)which can be set beforehand. In
other words, it must be ensured that the probability, using this procedure,
of selecting a taster for the panel who does not show sufficient discrimi-
natory power for the intensities of the stimuli used in the selection
process is less than α.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 64
▼B
When the value for αis set (in our case at 0,05), Zcisobtained from the
probability distribution of the variable Z, which in turn depends on the
probability distributions of the P variables (K ′).
Following the relevant statistical calculations, the value for Zccomesto
34.
When the Z grading for all the candidateshasbeen obtained, any candi-
dates whose grading lies above 34 shall be eliminated.
See the gradingsfor candidatesA and B for an example:
Attribute Candidate A Candidate B
‘Atrojado’ — Fusty (Fy) ZFy=1 0 ZFy=1 2
Winey (W) ZW=1 0 ZW=1 1
Rancid (Rd) ZRd=1 0 ZRd=1 5
Bitter (Bt) ZBt=4 ZBt=0
Σ=3 4 Σ=3 8
Given that the two candidates considered have respective Z values of 34
and 38, candidate A will be retained whereascandidate B will be
rejected. When all the candidateswith a grading above 34 have been
eliminated, the remainder shall be classified according to their Z values
until the 12 best candidates have been chosen.
9.5.Training
The chief aimsof the training s tage are:
(a) to familiarize the tasters with the multiple olfactory-gustatory-tactile
variantsfound in virgin olive oils ;
(b) to familiarize the tasters with the specific sensory methodology;
(c) to heighten individual skill in recognizing, identifying and quanti-
fying the sensory attributes; and
(d) to improve sensitivity and memory as regards the various attributes
considered, so that the end result is precise and consistent assess-
ments.
The training stage normally entails a number of sessions, depending on
the possibilities open to the panel and the study, during which, after indi-
vidually analysing the oils, the tasters discuss the difficulties they have
encountered with the panel organizer and comment on the marksgiven
so as to unify criteria and opinions.
The standard reached in training after a set number of sessions is assessed
in terms of the percentage increase in the exact replies — should discri-
minatory trials be used — or by analysing the variance in the average
individual marks of the panel when tests using a scale are implemented.
The practical utility of this training period has been discussed at great
length but at present it is considered very effective and even essential if
exact, accurate, sensory data are to be obtained.
9.6.Performance checks
Panels of veteran tasters normally carry out tastings on a regular and
continuous basis, involving sensory tests which require a great effort on
their part. Decisions of great technological and commercial importance
depend in a large majority of cases on their judgement. For this reason,
after their selection and training, the tasters' performance should be
checked to ensure that their results are precise.
After the panelshave been s et up and have gone through the routine
trials, it would obviously be necessary to regularly check their perfor-
mance at suitable intervals.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 65
▼B
10. PROCEDURE FOR THE ORGANOLEPTIC ASSESSMENT OF
VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
When the conditions indicated in the above standards are met, the neces-
sary facilities are available and the panel has been selected, each taster
shall smell and taste(1) the sample of oil up for analysis contained in
the tasting glass. He shall analyse the olfactory, gustatory, tactile and
kinaesthetic perceptions with the aid of the sheet shown under Figure 2
in which he shall record the ‘notes’ present and their degree of intensity.
His next step shall be to grade the quality of the oil.
10.1.UseofthesheetinFigure2 (flavour description and quality grading).
Some of the most characteristic sensory perceptions more frequently
found in olive oils which describe their flavour are listed on the left-
hand side of the page. Should the taster encounter any other stimuli that
do not correspond to the descriptors listed, he shall note them down under
‘others’, using the descriptor (s) which define them as accurately as
possible.
Perceptible stimuli shall be assessed in proportion to their intensity which
shall be indicated by a cross (+) in the appropriate box, in accordance
with the following criteria:
1: barely perceptible,
2: slight,3: average,4: great,
5: extreme.
On the right-hand side of the sheet, a scale from 1 to 9 points is shown (9
for exceptional quality, 1 for the worst) which the tasters shall use to give
a single, overall grading for the characteristics of the oil being examined.
This grading shall be consistent with the good points and defects of the
oil already noted down on the left-hand side of the sheet.
The first column (defects) of the grading table is divided up into five
sections. Consequently, the classification of the oils shall be based
primarily on the total absence or presence of defective flavours, as well
as on how serious or intense such flavours are. However, since the
grading scale goes up to 9 points, certain nuances or aspects should be
taken into account that help reach a conclusive decision on the total
quality grading and that are described in the second column headed ‘char-
acteristics’.
10.2.Finalgrading
The panel supervisor shall collect the forms filled in by each taster and
shall check that the sensory attributes and the intensities with which
such attributes were perceived and recorded in the profile sheet agree
with the assessment of the oil entered in the grading sheet. If there is a
noticeable difference the superviser shall ask the taster to check his
grading sheet.
If necessary, the taster should repeat the test.
Finally, the panel supervisor should make up a table with the gradings for
the whole group and calculate the arithmetic mean and the degree of
error (of the mean).
Only in the case of revision analyses the group shall repeat the tests with
a view to obtaining an assessment in triplicate of the sample; the final
grade, with a decimal figure, will be the mean of the three gradings
given.
If the mean intensity rating for bitterness and/or pungency is greater than
2,5, the oil should be marked accordingly and it should be recorded that
it isbitter and/or pungent.
Expression of results: on the basis of the average grading, the panel
supervisor shall determine the category in which the sample is to be clas-
sified in accordance with the limits laid down in Annex I. To that end,1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 66
(1) He may refrain when he finds any extremely or intensely unpleasant attribute in the
odour, recording thison the grading s heet asan exceptional occurrence.▼M10
▼M10
where the average grading is five points or more, the supervisor shall
allow:
— a tolerance of + 1,5 during the 1992/93 marketing year,
— a tolerance of + 1 during the 1993/94 and 1994/95 marketing years,— a tolerance of + 0,5 during the 1995/96 marketing year.
However, in the case of oils which are the subject of intervention opera-
tions, no tolerance shall be applied.
The statistical difference in repeatability and reproducibility values
between the analysis finding and the tolerance laid down by regulation
shall fall within the tolerances specified in the preceding paragraphs.
Where, during the marketing yearsreferred to above, the party concerned
classifies oil without applying the tolerance laid down, he may state on
the immediate packing the minimum organoleptic grading of the product
verifiable during the marketing period.
The panel supervisor shall state in the analysis report only the category in
which the sample is classified. An analyst who undertakes an examina-
tion in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 2 (2) shall
apply the same procedure for the determination of category.
Note:The samples should be kept sealed in the refrigerator until they are
analysed and should be returned to the refrigerator after each
analysis until the test has been done in triplicate.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 67
▼M9
▼M5
▼B
▼M3
Figure2
Virginoliveoil
SENSORYANALYSIS:GENERALBASICVOCABULARY
1. SCOPE
The purpose of this standard is to assemble the general terms used in
sensory analysis and to give their definitions.
2. VOCABULARY2.1.General terminology
Sensory analysis (noun):
examination of the organoleptic attributes of a product by the sense
organs.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 68
▼B
▼B
Perception (noun):
sensory awareness of external objects or events.Organoleptic (adjective) (attribute):
describes an attribute of a product, perceptible by the sense organs.Expert (noun):
(with regard to the examination of organoleptic attributes)
taster who is specialized in the sensory analysis of a specific product and
has a basic understanding of the preparation of the product and market
preferences.
Taster(noun):
perspicacious, sensitive, trained person selected to evaluate the organo-
leptic attributes of a food with the sense organs.
Panel:group of assessors who have been specially selected and trained and who
assemble to perform the sensory analysis of the product under controlled
conditions.
Sensation (noun):
subjective phenomenon resulting from the stimulation of a sensory
system. This phenomenon can be subjectively discriminated or objec-
tively defined by the sense organ involved, depending on the nature or
kind of stimulus, and its intensity.
Sensitivity (noun):
ability to perceive quantitatively and qualitatively a stimulus of little
intensity or small differences between stimuli by means of the sense
organs.
Tasting (noun):
operation which involvesperceiving, analys ing and judging the organo-
leptic attributesof a product, particularly the olfactory, gus tatory, tactile
and kinaesthetic attributes of a food product.
Acceptance (noun):
the act of an individual or population of favourably accepting a product.Harmony (noun):
attribute of a product which gives rise to an overall pleasant sensation.
This sensation is produced by the perception of the product components
as olfactory, gustatory, tactile and kinaesthetic stimuli because they are
present in suitable concentration ratios.
Acceptability (noun):
state of a product favourably received by an individual or population in
termsof itsorganoleptic attributes .
Discrimination (noun):
the act of qualitative and/or quantitative differentiation between two or
more stimuli.
Compensation (noun):
result of the interaction of a combination of stimuli in such a way that
each one is perceived with less intensity than if it acted alone.
Aspect (noun):
combination of organoleptic attributes perceived visually: size, shape,
colour, conformation, turbidness, cleanness, fluidness, foam and efferves-
cence. Thisterm isto be preferred to the term appearence.
Attribute (noun):
a perceptible characteristic.
2.2.Physiologicalterms
Stimulus (noun):1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 69
▼B
physical or chemical agent which specifically produces the response of
the external or internal sensory receptors.
Taste(noun):
(sense of taste)sense whose receptors are located in the mouth, particularly on the
tongue, and which are activated by variouscompoundsin s olution.
Gustatory (adjective):
describes the attribute of a product which can stimulate the gustatory
apparatus by-awakening the sensations pertaining to one or more of the
four primary tastes: sweet, salty, acid and bitter.
Receptor (noun):
specific structure of a sense organ that can be excited and is capable of
receiving a stimulus and converting it into a nervous discharge.
Note:Receptors are classified in terms of the type of energy associated
with the stimulus (light, heat, sound, etc.).
Olfaction (noun):
function of the olfactory apparatusto perceive and dis criminate between
the moleculesthat reach it, in gasform from an external environment,
directly or indirectly via the nose.
Intensity (noun):
magnitude of the energy of an attribute that can be measured in terms of
a quantitative scale of values above the threshold.
Adaptation (noun):
temporary modification of sensitivity in perceiving sensory stimuli due to
continous, repeated exposure to a given stimulus or one similar to it.
Inhibition (noun):
lack of response by a sense organ or a part thereof, despite being
subjected to the action of a suitable stimulus whose intensity is above
the threshold.
Response (noun):
action whereby the sensory cells respond to the action of one or more
stimuli related to a given sense organ.
Body(noun):
tactile sensation perceived in the mouth which gives a degree of density,
viscosity, consistency or compactness to a product.
Fragrance (noun):
fresh, pleasant, delicious odour.To smell (verb):
(active sense applied to smell)describes the act of perceiving an odour.Objective (adjective):
(a) describes that which gives a true, verifiable representation of the
object by minimizing the human factors(for ins tance, preference,
habit, inclination);
(b) describes the technique which, either by means of sensory or instru-
mental methods, minimizes self-induced errors.
Note:Use of the term ‘instrumental’ as a synonym is not advised.
Subjective (adjective):
describes that which produces a perception that is influenced not only by
the stimulus but also by our way of thinking and feeling.
Kinaesthesis:sensations resulting from pressure on the sample produced by a move-
ment in the oral cavity or with the fingers (for example: pressing cheese
with fingers)
Threshold (noun)1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 70
▼B
Absolute threshold:
minimum value of a sensory stimulus which gives rise to:
— the appearance of a sensation (stimulus threshold or detection
threshold), or
— the identification of the sensation (recognition threshold).
Difference threshold:minimum value of a sensory stimulus which gives rise to a perceptible
difference in the intensity of the sensation.
Terminal threshold:maximum value of a stimulus above which an increase in intensity is not
perceived.
Preference threshold:minimum quantitative value of a stimulus or critical supra-threshold value
of that stimulus at which an attraction or rejection response appears in
relation to a neutral stimulus, for example, in the choice between a
sugared solution and water.
Note:A distinction should be drawn between an absolute preference
threshold and a differential preference threshold.
Sub-threshold (adjective):
below the absolute threshold.Supra-threshold (adjective):
above the absolute threshold.Sensory fatigue:specific form of sensory adaptation in which a decrease in sensitivity
occurs.
Compensation (noun):
result of the interaction of a combination of stimuli in such a way that
each one is perceived with less intensity than if it acted alone.
Synergic (adjective):
joint effect or action of given substances in which the intensity of the
organoleptic attributes resulting from the combination is in excess of the
sum of the intensities of each attribute taken separately.
Contrast effect:increase in response to differences between two simultaneous or consecu-
tive stimuli.
Opposite of the convergence effect.Convergence effect:decrease in response to differences between two simultaneous or consecu-
tive stimuli; opposite of contrast effect.
2.3.Terminologyrelated toorganoleptic attributes
Acid(adjective):
(a) describes the primary taste produced by dilute aqueous solutions of
most acid substances (for example, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric
acid);
(b) describes the attribute of pure substances or mixtures which produces
thistas te.
The corresponding noun is acidity.Sour(adjective):
describes the olfactory-gustatory sensation in which acids generally
produced by fermentation are predominant, aswell asthe foods tuffsthat
produce this sensation.
Some factors that contribute to this sensation are related to the fermenta-
tion, for example the lactic or acetic fermentation, of a food product.
Bitter(adjective):1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 71
▼B
(a) describes the primary taste produced by dilute aqueous solutions of
various substances such as quinine, caffeine and given alkaloids.
(b) describes the attribute of pure substances or mixtures which produces
thistas te.
The corresponding noun is bitterness.
Salty(adjective):
(a) characteristic sensation perceived by the sense of taste, the most
typical example of which is produced by a sodium chloride solution;
(b) describes the attribute of pure substances or mixtures which produces
thistas te.
The corresponding noun is saltiness.
Sweet(adjective):
(a) describes the primary taste produced by aqueous solutions of various
substances such as sucrose;
(b) describes the attribute of pure substances or mixtures which produces
thistas te.
The corresponding noun is sweetness.
Astringent (adjective):
(a) describes the complex sensation produced in the mouth by a dilute
aqueous solution of products such as some tannins (for example,
kaki tannins and sloe tannins).
(b) describes the attribute of pure substances or mixtures which produces
this sensation.
(The corresponding noun is astringency).
Flavour (noun):
flavour means the combination of olfactory-gustatory-tactile and kinaes-
thetic sensations which enable an assessor to identify and establish a
multi-level, favourable or unfavourable criterion.
Taste(noun):
(a) sensations perceived when the gustatory papillae are stimulated by
some soluble substances.
(b) attribute of the specific sensation produced by such substances.
Primary taste (noun):
any one of the distinctive tastes of which there are held to be four: sweet,
salty, acid, bitter.
Odour (noun):
(a) combination of sensations perceived by the olfactory organ on
sniffing given volatile substances;
(b) attribute of the specific sensation produced by any one of the above
substances.
Aroma (noun):
(a) pleasant sensations perceived indirectly by the olfactory organ when
tasting a food.
(b) in perfumery and non-specialized language, this term is also applied
to the same sensations perceived directly through the nose.
After-taste; residual taste (noun):
combination of sensations perceived after the stimulus has disappeared
from the mouth and which differs from the sensations perceived before-
hand.
Aromatic (adjective):
(a) describes the attribute of pure substances or mixtures which when
tasted produce the sensations known as aroma;
(b) describes the products which when examined directly via the nose
produce sensations of fragrance and freshness.
Texture (noun):1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 72
▼B
characteristics of the solid or rheological state of a product, the combina-
tion of which can stimulate the mechanical receptors during tasting,
particularly those located in the mouth.
Note:This term refers solely to the objective attributes, not to the sensa-
tions produced which are designated by general terms such as
consistency, fibrousness, greasiness, etc.
Mouthwash:
action whereby a food present in the mouth comes into contact with all
the sensitive areas of the mouth so that the buccal sensations it produces
can be perceived.
Note:This vocabulary may be enlarged by consulting ISO standards
5492, PartsI to V and other publicationss uch asthat by J. L.Magnen entitled Les cahiers techniques du Centre National de
Coordination des Etudes et Recherches sur la Nutrition et l'Ali-
mentation, etc.
GLASSFOROILTASTING
1. SCOPE
The purpose of this standard is to describe the characteristics of the glass
intended for use in the organoleptic analysis of edible oils (odour, taste,
flavour).
In addition, it describes the adapted heating unit needed to reach and
maintain the right temperature for this analysis.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE GLASS
The drawing in Figure 1 attempts to establish the optimum characteristics
desirable in a piece of apparatus of this kind, which can be specified as
follows:
(a) maximum steadiness, to prevent the glass from tilting and the oil
from being spilled;
(b) a base which easily fits the indentations of the heating unit so that the
bottom of the glass is evenly heated;
(c) a shape that is broadest at the base so that the volatile components of
the oil are readily released but narrowed at the mouth so that the
same components are easily concentrated, thus ensuring that they are
better perceived and identified by the nose;
(d) made of dark-coloured glass to prevent the taster from perceiving the
colour of the oil, thuseliminating any prejudicesand impeding the
possible formation of biases or tendencies.
2.1.Dimensions
The glass is sketched in Figure 1, and has the following dimensions:
— total capacity … ................................ 130ml±10ml,
— total height … .................................. 60mm±1mm,
— diameter of mouth … ........................... 50mm±1mm,
— diameter of glass at its widest …............... 70 mm ± 1 mm,— base diameter …............................... 35 mm ± 1 mm,— thickness of glass on sides … ................... 1,5mm±0,2mm,
— thickness of glass base …...................... 5 mm ± 1 mm.
Each glass shall be equipped with a watch-glass, the diameter of which
shall be 10 mm larger than the mouth of the glass. This watch-glass shall
be used as a cover to prevent the loss of aroma and the entry of dust.
2.2.Manufacturingcharacteristics
The glass shall be made of resistant glass; it shall be dark-coloured so
that the colour of its contents cannot be discerned, and shall be free
from scratches or bubbles.
The rim shall be even, smooth and flanged.
The glass shall be annealed so that it stands the temperature changes it
has to undergo in the tests.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 73
▼B
2.3.Instructionsforuse
The glasses shall be cleaned using unperfumed soap or detergent and
shall then be rinsed repeatedly until the cleaning agent has been totally
eliminated. The final rinse shall be with distilled water, after which the
glasses shall be left to drain and then dried in a desiccation stove.
Neither concentrated acids nor chromic acid mixtures shall be used.
The glasses shall be kept in the stove until required for use or shall be
kept in a cupboard in which they shall be protected from contamination
from any extraneousodours .
Before use, each glass shall be smelled to ensure that no extraneous
odour is present. When the test is being prepared care shall be taken to
record the legend of each glass and the oil it contains. The test organizer
shall be the only person to know this legend/oil relation.
3. DEVICE FOR HEATING SAMPLES
The samples shall be organoleptically examined at a set temperature
which, in the case of oils, shall be 28 ± 2º C. For this purpose, a heating
device (see Figure 2) shall be installed in each booth within the taster's
reach. It comprises an aluminium block immersed in a thermostatically-
controlled water bath so as to keep a constant temperature. This block
has a series of indentations into which fit the bottoms of the glasses.
The temperature difference between the heating device and the oil
contained in the glasses inserted in the indentations of the various blocks
shall not be more than ± 2º C.
Figure 1—Tastingglass
Dimensions (in mm)1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 74
▼B
Figure2—Deviceforheatingsamples(dimensionsinmillimetres)
GUIDEFORTHEINSTALLATIONOFATESTROOM
1. INTRODUCTION
The test room is designed to provide the panel participating in the
sensory tests with a suitable, comfortable, standardized environment
which facilitateswork and helpsto improve the repeatability and reprodu-
cibility of the results.
2. SCOPE
The purpose of this standard is to specify the basic conditions that have
to be met when installing a test room.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 75
▼B
3. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR INSTALLATION
The premises, however large they are (see 3.1), shall meet the following
specifications:
They shall be pleasant and suitably lighted (see 3.2) but neutral in style.
For this purpose, a soothing, plain, light colour is recommended for the
walls so that a relaxed atmosphere is created(1).
The premises shall be such that they are easily cleaned and shall be sepa-
rated from any source of noise; consequently, they shall preferably be
soundproofed. They shall also be kept free from extraneous odours for
which purpose, if possible, they shall be fitted with an effective ventila-
tion device. If the fluctuations in ambient temperature so warrant, the test
room shall be equipped with air conditioning to keep the atmosphere
close to 20 to 22º C.
3.1.Dimensions
The dimensions of the premises often depend upon the possibilities of the
laboratories or companies. Generally, they should be sufficiently spacious
to permit the installation of 10 booths and an area for preparing the
samples.
However, it is obvious that the larger the area set aside for the installa-
tions, the better, since auxiliary areas can then be provided, for instance,
for cleaning apparatus, arranging culinary preparations and assembling
open panels.
3.2.Lighting
General lighting, whether from sunlight or lamps (for instance, strip
lighting) shall be uniform, controllable and diffuse.
3.3.Temperatureandhygrometricconditions
The premises shall be kept constantly at a pleasant temperature and under
agreeable hygrometric conditions. Except in special circumstances, a
temperature of 20º to 22º C and hygrometric conditionsof 60 to 70 %
relative humidity are recommended.
4. DESCRIPTION OF BOOTHS4.1.General characteristics
The sensory analysis booths shall be placed alongside each other in the
premises. They shall be identical and shall be separated by partitions
which shall be sufficiently high and wide as to isolate the tasters when
seated.
The boothsmay be made of any appropriate material which iseas ily
cleaned and looked after (for instance, wood, vitrified plywood, laminated
panelling, etc.). If paint is used it must be completely odour-free when
dry.
The seats provided in the booths shall be comfortable and shall have an
adjustable height device.
Each booth shall also be provided with individual lighting, the direction
and intensity of which may be adjusted.
It ishighly recommended that the boothsbe equipped with a button
connected to an outside light which enables the taster to make known to
the attendant outside that he has finished the test, requires further
samples, is missing a piece of apparatus, has noticed some irregularity,
or wishes information, etc. without distracting the other tasters.
4.2.Dimensions
The booths shall be sufficiently large and comfortable. In general, they
shall have the following dimensions:
— width:
0,75 m (without sink)0,85 (with sink);1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 76
(1) The colour scheme of the room and its lighting can affect the results of the sensory
analysis.
▼B
— length:
0,50 m (table)
0,20 m excess for partition;
— height of partitions:
0,60 m minimum from table;
— height of table:
0,75 m.
4.3.Arrangement
The table surface shall be such that it is easily cleaned.
Part of this surface shall be used for a sink provided with running
drinking water. However, if thisisnot practicable, thiss pace may be
used for a tray, spittoon or similar piece of equipment.
When the samples have to be kept during the test at a constant tempera-
ture that isabove or below ambient temperature, it isadvis able to have a
suitable device for this purpose (bain-marie, hot plate, etc.).
A shelf may also be set up at a height of approximately 1,10 metres from
the floor for placing various accessories (glasses, small apparatus, etc.).
If the arrangement of the booths in the test room so permits, it is worth-
while installing a device to facilitate the presentations of the samples.
Thismay be in the form of a s liding hatch (Figure 1), a revolving vertical
device (Figure 2) suitable for glasses or cups (tall containers), or a hori-
zontally-opening hatch when the containersin which the s amplesare kept
are small (Figure 3). It is simply a question of ensuring that the opening
is large enough for the trays and glasses containing the samples to pass
through.
See Figure 4 for an example of a test room and additional premises.
5. ADDITIONAL PREMISES
If there is sufficient space, it is advisable to provide separate premises for
preparing the samples (culinary or otherwise), arranging glasses or appa-
ratus and holding discussions prior to or after the tests. If available, such
premises shall be kept clean; in no way shall any smells, noise or conver-
sations from these premises disturb the work of the assessors in the test
room.
Notes: Ideal conditions are described. However, if it were not possible to
have such an installation solely for sensory analyses, the tests
could be performed in premises that meet the minimum condi-
tions described (lighting, temperature, noise, odours) by setting
up mobile boothsmade up of folding elementsin s uch a way
that, at the very least, they isolate the tasters from each other.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 77
▼B
ARRANGEMENT OF THE BOOTH
Figure1
1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 78
▼B
REVOLVING DEVICE FOR PRESENTING SAMPLES
Figure2
1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 79
▼B
HATCH FOR PRESENTING SAMPLES
Figure3
1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 80
▼B
SENSORY ANALYSIS LABORATORY (Example)
Figure4— Example of a test room
1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 81
▼B
ANNEX XIII
NEUTRALIZATIONANDDECOLORIZATIONOF OLIVE OIL IN THE
LABORATORY
1. NEUTRALIZATION AND DECOLORIZATION OF OLIVE OIL IN
THE LABORATORY
1.1.Neutralizationoftheoil
1.1.1. Apparatus
— beaker, 300 ml, tall,
— laboratory centrifuge with 100 ml tubes,— beaker, 250 ml,
— round-bottomed flasks, 100 ml,
— separating funnel, 1 litre.
1.1.2. Reagents
— aqueous solution of 12 % sodium hydroxide,
— ethyl alcohol solution of 1 % phenolphtalein,
— pure hexane, AR,
— pure propan-2-ol of AR.
1.1.3. Procedure
(a)Oils witha free fatty acid content, expressed as oleic acid, of less
than 30 %
Place 50 g of crude oil in a tall 300 ml beaker and heat to 65º C in a
water bath. Add a quantity of 12 % solution of sodium hydroxide
corresponding to the free acid of the oil, with an excess of 5 %, stir-
ring gently all the time. Continue to stir for five minutes, keeping the
temperature at 65º C.
Transfer the mixture into 100 ml centrifuge tubes and separate the
soapy paste by centrifugation. Pour the decanted oil into a 250 ml
beaker and wash with 50 to 60 ml of boiling distilled water,
removing the water by means of a siphon. Repeat the washings until
all traces of residual soap are removed (disappearance of the pink
colouring in the phenolphtalein).
Centrifuge the oil to eliminate any small quantities of residual water.
(b)Oils witha free fatty acid content expressed as oleic acid exceeding
30 %.
In a 1 litre separating funnel place 50 g of crude oil, 200 ml of
hexane, 100 ml of propan-2-ol and a quantity of 12 % solution of
sodium hydroxide corresponding to the free acid of the oil, with an
excess of 0,3 %.
Stir vigorously for one minute. Add 100 ml of distilled water, stir
again and allow to stand.
After separation of the layers, allow the lower layer containing soaps
to drain off. Between the two layers(oily on top and aqueousunder-
neath) an intermediary layer often formsmade up of mucilagesand
insoluble substances which must also be eliminated.
1.2.Decolorization ofneutralizedoil
1.2.1. Apparatus
— round-bottomed flask, 250 ml, with three ground glass necks for the
insertion of:
(a) a thermometer graduated in degreesand allowing readingsto be
taken at 90º C;
(b) a mechanical stirrer operating at 250 to 300 revolutions per
minute, equipped to operate in a vacuum;
(c) a vacuum pump connection,
— vacuum pump, with a manometer, capable of giving residual pressure
of 15 to 30 millibars.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 82
▼M6
▼B
▼B
1.2.2. Procedure
Weigh about 100 g of neutralized oil in the three-necked flask. Insert the
thermometer and the stirrer, connect the vacuum pump and heat to 90º C,
stirring all the time. Maintain that temperature, continuing to stir, until
the oil to be analysed is entirely free from water (about 30 minutes).
Then break the vacuum and add 2 to 3 g of activated earth.
Re-establish the vacuum until a residual pressure of 15 to 30 millibars is
obtained and, maintaining a temperature of 90º C, stir for 30 minutes at
about 250 revolutionsper minute.
Filter while still hot in a thermostatic oven (50 to 60º C).1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 83
▼M6
ANNEX XIV
ADDITIONAL NOTES 2, 3 AND 4 TO CHAPTER15 OF THE
COMBINEDNOMENCLATURE
2. A. Nos1509 and 1510 cover only oilsderived s olely from the treatment of
lives, the analytical characteristics of the acidic and sterol composition of
which are asfollows :
Tabble I: Fatty acid composition as percentage of
total fatty acidsTable II: Sterol composition as percentage of total
sterols
Myristic acid M 0,1 Cholesterol M 0,5
Linolenic acid M 0,9 Brassicasterol M 0,2
Arachidic M 0,7 Campesterol M 4,0
Eicosanoic acid M 0,5 Stigmasterol (1) < Campesterol
Behenic acid M 0,3 Betasitosterol (2) m 93,0
Lignoceric acid M 0,5 Delta-7-stigmastzerol M 0,5
m = minimum
M = Maximum
(1) Condition not valid for virgin lampante oil (subheading 1509 10 10) and for olive-residue oil (subheading
1510 00 10).
(2) Delta-5,23-Stigmastadienol + Chlerosterol + Beta-Sitosterol + Sitostanol + Delta-5-Avenasterol + Delta-
5,24-Stigmastadienol.
Nos1509 and 1510 do not cover chemically altered olive oil (in parti-
cular re-esterified olive oil) and mixtures of olive oil with other oils.
The presence of re-esterified olive oil or other oils is ascertained using
the methodss et out in AnnexesV, VIII, X A and X B to Regulation
(EEC) No 2568/91.
B. Subheading 1509 10 coversonly olive oilsdefined in SectionsI and II
belov obtained solely using mechanical or other physical means under
conditions, and particularly thermal conditions, that do not lead to dete-
rioration of the oil, and which have undergone no treatment other than
washing, decantation, centrifugation or filtration. Oils derived from olives
using solvents fall under heading 1510.
I. For the purposes of subheading 1509 10 10, ‘virgin lampante olive
oil’, whatever itsacidity, meansolive oil with:
(a) a►M9wax◄content not exceeding ►M9350◄mg/kg;
(b) an erythrodical and uvaol content not exceeding 4,5 %;
(c) a content in saturated fatty acids at the 2-position in the triglycer-
idesnot exceeding 1,3 %
and/or
(d) the sum of transoleic isomers lower than 0,10 % and the sum of
translinoleic + translinolenic isomers lower than 0,10 %;
(e) one or more of the following characteristics:
(i) a periode number exceeding 20 meq 02/kg;
(ii) a content in volatile halogenated solvents exceeding 0,1 mg/
kg for any one solvent;
(iii) a K270(100) extinction coefficient higher than 0,250 and,
after treatment of the oil with activated alumina, not higher
than 0,11. In point of fact some oils having a free fatty acid
content, expressed as oleic acid, of more than 3,3 g per 100 g
may, after passage through activated alumina, in accordance
with the method set out in Annex IX to Regulation (EEC) No
2568/91, may have a K270extinction coefficient higher than
0,10. If so, after neutralization and decolorization in the
laboratory, in accordance with the method set ou in Annex
XIII to the aforementioned Regulation, they must have the
following characteristics:
—a K270extinction coefficient not higher than 1,20,
— an extinction coefficient variation (Delta K), in the 270
nm region, higher than 0,01 but not higher than 0,16, i.e.:
Delta K = Km− 0,5 (Km−4+Km+4)1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 84
▼M6
Km= the extinction coefficient at the
wavelength of the peak of the
absorption curve in the 270 nm
region,
Km−4en Km+4= the extinction coefficientsat wave-
lengths4 nm lower and higher than
the Kmwavelength;
(iv) organoleptic organoleptic characteristics which include
detectable defectsexceeding the limitsof acceptability and a
panel test score lower than 3,5 in accordance with Annex XII
to Regulation (EEC) No 2568/91.
II. For the purposes of subheading 1509 10 90, ‘virgin oil’ means olive
oil having the following characteristics:
(a) an acid content, expressed as oleic acid, not exceeding 3,3 g per
100 g;
(b) a peroxide number not exceeding 20 meq active 02/kg;
(c) a►M9wax◄content not exceeding ►M9250◄mg/kg;
(d) a content in volatile halogenated solvents not exceeding 0,2 mg/
kg overall and not exceeding 0,1 mg/kg for each solvent;
(e) a K270extinction coefficient not higher than 0,250 and, after treat-
ment of the oil with activated alumina, not higher than 0,10;
(f) an extinction coefficient variation (Delta K), in the 270 nm
region, not higher than 0,01;
(g) organoleptic characteristics which may include detectable defects
within the limits of acceptability and a panel test score higher
than 3,5 in accordance with Annex XII to Regulation (EEC) No
2568/91;
(h) an erythrodiol and uvaol content not exceeding 4,5 %;
(i) a content in saturated fatty acids at the 2-position in the triglycer-
idesnot exceeding;
(j) the sum of transoleic isomers lower than 0,03 % and the sum of
translinoleic + translinolenic isomers lower than 0,03 %.
C. Subheading 1509 90 00 coversolive oil obtained by the treatment of olive
oilsfalling within s ubheading 1509 10 10 or 1509 10 90, whether or not
blended with virgin olive oil, having the following characteristics:
(a) an acid content, expressed as oleic acid, not exceeding 3,3 g per 100
g;
(b) a►M9wax◄content not exceeding 350 mg/kg;
(c) a K270extinction coefficient (100) not higher than 1,20;
(d) an extinction coefficient variation ( ∆K), in the 270 nm region, not
higher than 0,16;
(e) an erythrodiol and uvaol content not exceeding 4,5 %;
(f) a content in saturated fatty acids at the 2-position in the triglycerides
not exceeding 1,5 %;
(g) the sum of transoleic isomeres lower than 0,20 % and the sum of
translinoleic + translinolenic isomeres lower than 0,30 %.
D. For the purposes of subheading 1510 00 10, ‘crude oils’ means oils, parti-
cularly olive residue oils, with the following characteristics:
(a) an acid content, expressed as oleic acid, greater than 2 g per 100 g;
(b) an erythrodiol and uvaol content exceeding 12 %;
(c) a content in saturated fatty acids at the 2-position in the triglycerides
not exceeding 1,8 %;
(d) the sum of transoleic isomers lower than 0,20 % and the sum of
translinoleic + translinolenic isomers lower than 0,10 %.
E. Subheading 1510 00 90 coversoilsobtained by the treatment of oilsfallin
within subheading 1510 00 10, whether or not blended with virgin olive
oil, and oilsnot having the characteris ticsof the oilsreferred to in addi-
tional notes2B, 2C and 2D. The oilsfalling within thiss ubheading mus t
have a content in saturated fatty acids at the 2-position in the triglycerides
not exceeding 2 %, the sum of transoleic isomers lower than 0,4 % and
the sum of translinoleic + translinolenic isomers lower than 0,35 %.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 85
▼M9
▼M6
▼M6
3. Subheadings1522 00 31 and 1522 00 39 do not cover:
(a) residues resulting from the treatment of fatty substances containing oil
having in iodine index, determined in accordance with the metod laid
down in Annex XVI to Regulation (EEC) No 2568/91, lower than 70 or
higher than 100;
(b) residues resulting from the treatment of fatty substances containing oil
having an iodine index lower than 70 or higher than 100, of which the
peadk area representing the retention volume of Beta-Sitosterol(1), deter-
mined in accordance with Annex V to Regulation (EEC) No 2568/91, is
less than 93 % of the total sterol peak areas.
4. The analytical methodsfor the determination of the characteris ticsof the
productsreferred to above are thos e laid down in the Annexesto Regulation
(EEC) No 2568/91.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 86
(1) Delta-5,23-Stigmastadienol + Chlerosterol + Beta-Sitosterol + Sitostanol + Delta-5-
Avenasterol + Delta-5,24-Stigmastadienol.
▼B
ANNEX XV
1. OIL CONTENT OF OLIVE RESIDUE
1.1.Apparatus
— suitable extraction apparatus fitted with a 200 to 250 ml round-
bottomed flask,
— electrically heated bath (e.g., sand bath, water bath) or hotplate,— analytical balance,— oven regulated to a maximum of 80º C,— electrically heated oven fitted with a thermostatic device regulated to
103 ± 2º C and one that can be swept with a stream of air or operated
at reduced pressure,
— mechanical mill, easy to clean, and one that allows the olive residues to
be ground without a rise in their temperature or any appreciable altera-
tion in their content of moisture, volatile matter or substances
extractable with hexane,
— extraction thimble and cotton wool or filter paper from which
substances extractable with hexane have already been removed,
— dessicator,— sieve with 1 mm diameter apertures,— small particles of previously dried pumice stone.
1.2.Reagent
Normal hexane, technical grade, which must leave a residue of less than
0,002 g per 100 ml, on complete evaporation.
2. PROCEDURE2.1.Preparationofthetestsample
If necessary, use the mechanical mill, which has previously been properly
cleaned, to grind the laboratory sample in order to reduce it to particles that
can pass completely through the sieve.
Use about one twentieth of the sample to complete the process of cleaning
the mill, discard the ground material, grind the remainder and collect, mix
carefully and analyze without delay.
2.2.Testportion
Ass oon asthe grinding operation hasbeen completed, weigh out about 10 g
of the sample to the nearest 0,01 g for testing.
2.3.Preparationoftheextractionthimble
Place the test portion in the thimble and plug with cotton wool. If a filter
paper is used, envelope the test portion in it.
2.4.Peliminary drying
If the olive residues are very moist (i.e., moisture and volatile matter
content more than 10 %), carry out preliminary drying by placing the
loaded thimble (or filter paper) in the oven heated for an appropriate time
at not more than 80º C in order to reduce the moisture and volatile matter
content to less than 10 %.
2.5.Preparationoftheround-bottomedflask
Weigh to the nearest 1 mg the flask containing one or two particles of
pumice stone, previously dried in the stove at 103 ± 2º C and then cooled
in a dessicator for not less than one hour.
2.6.Initialextraction
Into the extraction apparatusins ert the thimble (or filter paper) containing
the test portion. Pour into the flask the requisite quantity of hexane. Fit the
flask to the extraction apparatus and place the whole on the electrically
heated bath. Adjust the rate of heating in such a way that the reflux rate
is not less than three drops per second (moderate, not violent boiling). After
four hoursextraction, allow to cool. Remove the thimble from the extrac-1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 87
▼B
tion apparatus and place it in a stream of air in order to drive off most of
the impregnating solvent.
2.7.Secondextraction
Tip the contentsof the thimble into the micro-grinder and grind asfinely as
possible. Return the ground mixture to the thimble without loss and place it
back in the extraction apparatus.
Continue the extraction for a further two hours using the same round-
bottomed flask containing the initial extract.
The resultant solution in the extraction flask must be clear. If not, filter it
through a filter paper and wash the original flask and the filter paper
several times with hexane. Collect the filtrate and the washing solvent in
a second round-bottomed flask which has been dried and tared to the
nearest 1 mg.
2.8.Removalofsolventandweighingofextract
Remove the greater part of the solvent by distillation on an electrically
heated bath. Remove the last traces of solvent by heating the flask in the
oven at 103 ± 2º C for 20 minutes. Assist the elimination process either
by blowing in air, or preferably an inert gas, at intervals or by using
reduced pressure.
Leave the flask in a dessicator to cool for at least one hour and weigh to
the nearest 1 mg.
Heat again for 10 minutes under the same conditions, cool in a dessicator
and reweigh.
The difference between the two weighingss hall not exceed 10 mg. If it
does, heat again for periods of 10 minutes followed by cooling and
weighing until the weight difference is 10 mg or less. Note the last weight
of the flask.
Carry out duplicate determinations on the test sample.
3. EXPRESSION OF RESULTS3.1.Methodofcalculationandformula
(a) The extract expressed as a percentage by mass of the product as
received isequal to:
S=m
1×100
m0
where: S isthe percentage by mas sof extract of the product as
received,
m0= is the mass, in grams, of the test portion,
m1= is the mass, in grams, of the extract after drying.
Take as the result the arithmetic mean of the duplicate determinations,
providing the repeatability conditions are satisfied.
Express the result to the first decimal place.
(b) The extract is expressed on a dry matter basis by using the formula:
S×100
100 − U= oil percentage of extract on a dry basis
where:
S = isthe percentage of extract by meansof the product asreceived
(see (a)),
U = isitsmois ture and volatile matter content.
3.2.Repeatability
The difference between the duplicate determinationscarried out s imulta-
neously or in rapid sucession by the same analyst shall not exceed 0,2 g
of hexane extract per 100 g of sample.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 88
▼B
If this condition is not satisfied, repeat the analysis on two other test
portions. If, in this case too, the difference exceeds 0,2 g, take as the result
the arithmetic mean of the four determinations.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 89
▼B
ANNEX XVI
DETERMINATIONOFIODINEVALUE
1. SCOPE
ThisInternational Standard s pecifiesa method for the determination of the
iodine value of animal and vegetable fatsand oils , referred to hereafter as
fats.
2. DEFINITION
For the purposes of this International Standard, the following definition
applies:
2.1.iodine value. The mass of iodine absorbed by the sample under the oper-
ating conditionss pecified in thisInternational Standard.
The iodine value is expressed as grams of iodine per 100 g of sample.
3. PRINCIPLE
Dissolution of a test portion in solvent and addition of Wijs reagent. After a
specified time, addition of potassium iodide solution and water, and titra-
tion of the liberated iodine with sodium thiosulfate solution.
4. REAGENTS
All reagentss hall be of recognized analytical grade:
4.1.water,complying with the requirementsof ISO 3696, Grade 3.
4.2.potassium iodide, 100 g/l solution, not containing iodate or free iodine.
4.3.starch, solution.
Mix 5 g of soluble starch in 30 ml of water, add this mixture to 1 000 ml of
boiling water, boil for three minutesand allow to cool.
4.4.sodiumthiosulfate, standard volumetric solution c (Na2S2O3.5H2O) = 0,1 mol/
l, standardized not more than seven days before use.
4.5.solvent, prepared by mixing equal volumesof cyclohexane and acetic acid.
4.6.Wijs reagent, containing iodine monochloride in acetic acid. Commercially
available Wijs reagent shall be used.
5. APPARATUS
Usual laboratory apparatus and, in particular, the following:
5.1.glass weighing scoops, suitable for the test portion and for inserting into
the flasks (6.2).
5.2.conical flasks, of 500 ml capacity, fitted with ground glass stoppers and
completely dry.
6. PREPARATION OF THE TEST SAMPLE
The homogenized sample is dried over sodium sulphate and filtered.
7. PROCEDURE
7.1. Test portion
The mass of the test portion varies according to its expected iodine value as
shown in Table 1.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 90
▼B
Table 1
Expected iodine valueMass of test portion
(g)
less than 5 3,00
5 to 20 1,00
21 to 50 0,40
51 to 100 0,20
101 to 150 0,13
151 to 200 0,10
Weigh the test portion to the nearest 0,1 mg in a glass weighing scoop
(5.1).
7.2. Determination
Place the test portion in a 500 ml flask (6.2). Add 20 ml of the solvent
(4.5) to dissolve the fat. Add exactly 25 ml of the Wijs reagent (4.6), insert
the stopper, swirl the contents and place the flask in the dark. Do not use a
mouth pipette for the Wijsreagent.
Similarily, prepare a blank with the solvent and the reagent but omitting
the test portion.
For samples having an iodine valve below 150, leave the flasks in the dark
for one hour; for those with an iodine value above 150 and for polymerized
productsor productsoxidized to a cons iderable extent, leave for two hours .
At the end of the time, add 20 ml of the potassium iodide solution (4.2)
and 150 ml of water (4.1) to each of the flasks.
Titrate with the standard volumetric sodium thiosulfate solution (4.4) until
the yellow colour due to iodine has almost disappeared. Add a few drops of
the starch solution (4.3) and continue the titration until the blue colour just
disappears after very vigorous shaking.
Note:Potentiometric determination of the end point is permissible.
7.3. Number of determinations
Carry out two determinations on the same test sample.
8. EXPRESSION OF RESULTS
The iodine value is given by the expression
12;69 c V 1/C0V2 ðÞ
m
where:
c = isthe numerical value of the exact concentration, in molesper litre,
of the standard volumetric sodium thiosulfate solution (4.4) used;
V1= is the numerical value of the volume, in millilitres, of the standard
volumetric sodium thiosulfate solution (4.4) used for the blank test;
V2= is the numerical value of the volume, in millilitres, of the standard
volumetric sodium thiosulfate solution (4.4) used for the determina-
tion;
m = is the numerical value of the mass, in grams, of the test portion
(7.1).
Take as the result the arithmetic mean of the two determinations, provided
that the requirement for repeatability (9.2) is satisfied.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 91
▼M11
ANNEX XVII
METHOD FORTHE DETER MINATION OF STIGMASTADIENES IN
VEGETABLEOILS
1. PURPOSE
Determination of stigmastadienes in vegetable oils containing low
concentrations of these hydrocarbons, particularly in virgin olive oil and
crude olive-residue oil.
2. SCOPE
The standard may be applied to all vegetable oils although measurements
are reliable only where the content of these hydrocarbons lies between
0,01 and 4,0 mg/kg. The method isparticularly s uited to detecting the
presence of refined vegetable oils (olive, olive residue, sunflower, palm,
etc.) in virgin olive oil since refined oils contained stigmastadienes andvirgin oilsdo not.
3. PRINCIPLE
Isolation of unsaponifiable matter. Separation of steroidal hydrocarbon
fraction by column chromatography on silica gel and analysis by capillary
gaschromatography.
4. APPARATUS
4.1. 250 ml flasks suitable for use with a reflux condenser.
4.2. Separating funnelsof 500 ml capacity.
4.3. 100 ml round-bottom flasks.
4.4. Rotary evaporator.
4.5. Glass chromatography column (1,5 to 2,0 cm internal diameter by 50 cm
length) with Teflon tap and a plug of glass wool fibre or sintered glass
disc at the bottom. To prepare silica gel column, pour hexane into the
chromatography column to a depth of approximately 5 cm and then fill
with a slurry of silica gel in hexane (15 g in 40 ml) with the help of
hexane portions. Allow to settle and finish settling by applying slight
vibration. Add anhydrous sodium sulphate to a height of approximately
0,5 cm, finally elute the excess hexane.
4.6. Gaschromatograph with flame ionization detector, s plit or cold on-
column injector and oven programmable to within ± 1 ºC.
4.7. Fused silica capillary column for gas chromatography (0,25 or 0,32 mm
internal diameter by 25 m length) coated with 5 %-phenylmethylsilicone
phase, 0,25 mm film thickness.
Note 1:
Other columns of similar or lower polarity can be used.
4.8. Integrator-recorder with possibility of valley-valley integration mode.
4.9. 5 to 10 ml microsyringe for gas chromatography with cemented needle.
4.10. Electrical heating mantle or hot place.
5. REAGENTS
All reagents should be of analytical grade unless otherwise specified. The
water used should be distilled water, or water of at least equivalent
purity.
5.1. Hexane or mixture of alkanesof bp interval 65 to 70 ºC, dis tilled with
rectifying column.
Note 2:
The solvent must be distilled to remove impurities.
5.2. 96 v/v ethanol.
5.3. Anhydrous sodium sulphate.5.4. Alcoholic potassium hydroxide solution at 10 %. Add 10 ml of water to
50 g potassium hydroxide, stir, and then dissolve the mixture in ethanol
to 500 ml.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 92
▼M11
Note 3:
Alcoholic potash turns brown on standing. It should be prepared freshly
each day and kept in well stoppered dark glass bottles.
5.5. Silica gel 60 for column chromatography, 70 to 230 mesh, (Merck, refer-
ence 7734 or similar).
Note 4:
Usually, silica gel can be used directly from the container without any
treatment. However, some batches of silica gel may show low activity
resulting in bad chromatographic separations. Under this circumstance,
the silica gel should be treated in the following way: Activate the silica
gel by heating for a minimum of four hoursat 550 ºC. After heating,
place the silica gel in a desiccator while the gel is cooling and then
transfer the silica gel to a stoppered flask. Add 2 % of water and shake
until no lumpscan be s een and the powder flowsfreely.
If batches of silica gel result in chromatograms with interfering peaks, the
silica gel should be treated as above. An alternative could be the use of
extra pure silica gel 60 (Merck, reference 7754).
5.6. Stock solution (200 ppm) of cholesta-3,5-diene (Sigma, 99 % purity) in
hexane (10 mg in 50 ml).
5.7. Standard solution of cholesta-3,5-diene hexane at concentration of
20 ppm, obtained by dilution of above solution.
Note 5:
The solutions 5.6 and 5.7 are stable for a period of at least four months if
kept at less than 4 ºC.
5.8. Solution of n-nonacosane in hexane at concentration of approximately
100 ppm.
5.9. Carrier gasfor chromatography: helium or hydrogen of 99,9990 % purity.
5.10. Auxiliary gases for flame ionization detector: hydrogen of 99,9990 %
purity and purified air.
6. PROCEDURE6.1.Preparationofunsaponifiablematter
6.1.1. Weigh 20 ± 0,1 g of oil into a 250-ml flask (4.1), add 1 ml of the stan-
dard solution of cholesta-3,5-diene (20 µg) and 75 ml of alcoholic potash
at 10 %, fit reflux condenser, and heat to slight boiling for 30 minutes,
Remove the flask containing the sample from the heat and allow the solu-
tion to cool slightly (do not allow to cool completely as the sample will
set). Add 100 ml of water and transfer the solution to a separating funnel
(4.2) with the aid of 100 ml of hexane. Shake the mixture vigorously for
30 seconds and allow the separate.
Note 6:
If an emulsion is produced which does not rapidly disappear, add small
quantitiesof ethanol.
6.1.2. Transfer the aqueous phase beneath to a second separating funnel and
extract again with 100 ml of hexane. Once more run off the lower phase
and wash the hexane extracts (combined in another separating funnel)
three timeswith 100 ml each time of a mixture of ethanol-water (1: 1)
until neutral pH isreached.
6.1.3. Pass the hexane solution through anhydrous sodium sulphate (50 g), wash
with 20 ml hexane and evaporate in a rotary evaporator at 30 ºC under
reduced pressure until dryness.
6.2.Separationofsteroidalhydrocarbonfraction
6.2.1. Take the residue to the fractioning column with the aid of two 1-ml
portions of hexane, run the sample onto the column by allowing the solu-
tion level to drop to the top of the sodium sulphate and start the
chromatographic elution with hexane at a flow rate of 1 ml/min approxi-
mately. Discard the first 25 to 30 ml of eluate and then collect the
following 40 ml fraction. After collection, transfer this fraction to a 100-
ml round bottomed flask (4.3).
Note 7:
The first fraction contains saturated hydrocarbons (Figure 1 a) and the
second fraction the steroidal ones. Further elution provides squalene and1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 93
▼M11
related compounds. To achieve a good separation between saturated and
steroidal hydrocarbons, the optimization of fraction volumes is required.
For this, the volume of the first fraction should be adjusted so that when
the second fraction is analysed the peaks representing the saturated
hydrocarbonsare low (s ee Figure 1 c); if they do not appear but the
intensity of the standard peak is low, the volume should be reduced.
Anyway, a complete separation between the components of the first and
second fractions is unnecessary; as there is no overlapping of peaks
during GC analysis if GC conditions are ajusted as indicated in 6.3.1.
The optimization of the volume of the second fraction if generally not
needed as a good separation exists with the further components. Never-
theless, the presence of a large peak at approximately 1,5 minutes lower
retention time than the standard is due to squalene, and it is indicative of
a bad separation.
6.2.2. Evaporate the second fraction in a rotary evaporator at 30 ºC under
reduced pressure until dryness, and immediately dissolve the residue in
0,2 ml of hexane. Keep the solution in the refrigerator until analysis.
Note 8:
Residues 6.1.3 and 6.2.2 should not be kept dry and at room temperature.
As soon as they are obtained, the solvent should be added and the solu-
tionss hould be kept in the refrigerator.
6.3.Gaschromatography
6.3.1. Working conditionsfor s plit injection:
— injector temperature: 300 ºC,
— detector temperature: 320 ºC,— integrator-recorder: the parameters for integration should be fixed so
as to give a correct assessment of the areas. Valley-valley integration
mode isrecommended,
— sensitivity: about 16 times the minimum attenuation,— amount of solution injected: 1 µl,
— oven programming temperatures: initial 235 ºC for six minutes and
then rising at 2 ºC/minute up to 285 ºC,
— injector with 1: 15 flow divider,— carrier: helium or hydrogen at about 120 kPa pressure.
These conditions may be adjusted in accordance with the characteristics
of the chromatograph and the column to give chromatogramsmeeting
the following requirements: internal standard peak within approximately
five minutes of the time given in 6.3.2; the internal standard peak should
be at least 80 % of the full scale.
The gas chromatographic system must be checked injecting a mixture of
the stock solution of cholestadiene (5.6) and n-nonacosane solution (5.8).
The cholesta-3,5-diene peak must appear before the n-nonacosane (Figure
1c); if it doesnot occur two actionscan be undertaken: reduce the oven
temperature and/or use a less polar column.
6.3.2. Peak identification
The internal s tandard peak appearsat approximately 19 minutesand the
3,5-stigmastadiene at a relative retention time of approximately 1,29 (see
Figure 1b). The 3,5-stigmastadiene occurs with small quantities of an
isomer, and usually, both elute together as a single chromatographic
peak. Nevertheless, if the column is too polar or shows a high resolving
power, the isomer can appear as a small peak before and close to that of
stigmasta-3,5-diene (Figure 2). In order to ensure that the stigmastadienes
are eluted asone peak, it isadvis able to replace the column by one which
iseither les spolar or hasa wider internal diameter.
Note 9:
Stigmastadienes for reference can be obtained from the analysis of a
refined vegetable oil by using less amount of sample (1 to 2 g). Stigmas-
tadienesoriginate a prominent and eas ily identifiable peak.
6.3.3. Quantitative analysis
The stigmastadienes content is determined according to the formula:mg/kg of stigmastadienes =
As/C2Mc
Ac/C2Mo1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 94
▼M11
where: As= area of stigmastadienes peak (if the peak is resolved
into two isomers, sum of areas of the two peaks),
Ac= area of internal standard (cholestadiene),
Mc= mass of standard added, in micrograms,
Mo= mass of oil taken, in grams.
Detection limit: about 0,01 mg/kg.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 95
▼M11
Figure1
Gas chromatograms obtained from olive oil samples analysed on a fused
silica capillary column (0,25 mm internal diameter by 25 m) coated with
5 %-phenylmethylsilicone, 0,25 µm film thickness.
(a) First fraction (30 ml) from a virgin oil, spiked with standard.
(b) Second fraction (40 ml) from an olive oil containing 0,10 mg/kg of
stigmastadienes.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 96
▼M11
(c) Second fraction (40 ml) containing a small proportion of the first
fraction.
Figure2
Gas chromatogram obtained from a refined olive oil sample analysed on
DB-5 column showing the isomer of 3,5-stigmastadiene.1991R2568 — EN — 28.05.1995 — 012.001 — 97