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Chem-Nutri-Logo

Telephone

+27 (11) 316 8800
+27 (11) 316 8804
+27 (69) 153 7416

Email Address

info@chemnutri.co.za
clientservices@chemnutri.co.za

Office Address

Cedar Lake Industrial Estate, 1 Harvest Place, Clayville
Olifantsfontein, Gauteng Province, 1666

Oil Quality Testing

Chem Nutri Analytical 
 > Oil Quality Testing
Oil Quality-100

Oil Quality Testing

Reagan Bowers, managing director, Chem Nutri Analytical

Complete Oxidation, Antioxidant & Composition Analysis for Oils

At Chem Nutri Analytical, we offer a comprehensive, ISO-accredited oil testing service tailored for both food and feed applications. Our lab sets itself apart by combining scientific precision with deep industry understanding—delivering a level of insight that goes beyond routine testing.

We are proud to offer fully validated and ISO-accredited methods for:

  • Free Fatty Acids (FFA) – indicating hydrolytic breakdown
  • Peroxide Value (PV) – detecting early-stage oxidation

These foundational analyses are essential for measuring oil quality and shelf stability, and are supported by a broader suite of advanced tests.

A Full-Scope Oil Analysis Laboratory

Unlike many routine labs, Chem Nutri Analytical provides a holistic oil profiling service. Our testing includes:

  • Oxidation indicators across all phases (primary, secondary, and tertiary)
  • Antioxidant analysis to verify presence and effectiveness of preservation systems
  • Purity and quality metrics, including volatile matter, impurities, and unsaponifiables
  • Functional and compositional values, such as iodine value, colour, and density

This ensures that our clients benefit from a single-source solution that is robust, reliable, and built for regulatory and nutritional decision-making across the supply chain.

Advanced Antioxidant Profiling

To support long-term oil stability, we provide antioxidant analysis to quantify the inclusion and activity of key preservatives. Our tests cover commonly used antioxidants such as:

  • BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
  • BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
  • TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)
  • Ethoxyquin

Understanding antioxidant levels allows clients to verify efficacy, avoid overdosing or underdosing, and comply with product safety standards.

Understanding the Oxidation Cycle

Oil degradation progresses through three critical stages:
1. Primary Oxidation: Characterised by hydroperoxide formation, measured by Peroxide Value (PV). These compounds are early markers and degrade quickly.
2. Secondary Oxidation: Hydroperoxides break down into aldehydes and ketones, measured using p-Anisidine Value (p-AV).
3. Tertiary Oxidation: Advanced stages involve deeper decomposition, notably malondialdehyde, detected via the TBA (Thiobarbituric Acid) test.

Important: Because PV breaks down over time, relying on it alone may overlook deeper oxidation. A multi-parameter approach is essential.

Oxidation Stages in Oil Quality

This graph illustrates:
• A bell curve for PV—rising early and tapering off as it breaks down
• A gradual increase in p-AV, capturing secondary products
• A late rise in TBA, highlighting advanced rancidity

Let us help you achieve confidence and clarity in your oil quality decisions.

Solvent Selection & Lipid Extraction Validity

Through extensive internal validation, we have tested a range of solvents with varying polarities for the extraction of oils from complex protein-rich matrices, including:

  • Poultry By-Products (PBY)
  • Carcass Meals
  • Feather Meals
  • Fishmeal
  • Animal Feeds
  • Rendered Fats
  • Mixed Protein Concentrates
  • Pet Foods
  • Processed Food Products

Our findings confirm that the selected solvent system—tailored for optimal polarity—ensures comprehensive extraction of the full lipid fraction, even from challenging substrates.

This enables precise analysis of oxidation markers, total fat content, and other oil quality indicators, ensuring robust, reproducible results across a diverse range of sample types.

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Chem Nutri Analytical is an independent, SANAS-accredited laboratory serving the food and agricultural sectors. Proudly South African, we’ve delivered reliable, science-driven testing since 2014. Bringing global benchmarking standards to local industries.
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Cedar Lake Industrial Estate
1 Harvest Place, Clayville
Olifantsfontein
Gauteng Province
1666
+27 (11) 316 8800
+27 (11) 316 8804
+27 (69) 153 7416
info@chemnutri.co.za
clientservices@chemnutri.co.za
https://chemnutri.co.za
Mon to Fri: 7am to 5pm
POPIA Compliance | Terms and Conditions of Service | Copyright © 2018 Chem Nutri Analytical. All rights reserved.
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