Food analysis lab - 1 – 14FP 2004

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Ex.No. 03. ESTIMATION OF FREE FATTY ACIDS IN FATS AND OILS

OBJECTIVE
To estimate the amount of free fatty acid present in given food sample.

EQUIPMENTS
Conical flask, Burette, Pipette
REAGENTS
1) 1% Phenolphthalein in 95% Ethanol.
2) 0.1N Potassium hydroxide.
3) Neutral Solvent: Mix 25 ml ether, 25 ml 95% alcohol and 1ml of 1% Phenolphthalein
solution and neutralize with N/10 alkali.

DESCRIPTION
The free fatty acid is estimated by titrating against KOH in the presence of
phenolphthalein indicator. The acid number is defined as the mg KOH require to neutralize
the free fatty acid present in 1g of sample .However , the free fatty acid content is expressed
as oleic acid equivalents.

PROCEDURE
1) Dissolve 1-10 g of oil or melted fat in 50 ml of the neutral solvent in a 250 ml
conical flask.
2) Add a few drops of phenolphthalein.
3) Titrate the content against 0.1N potassium hydroxide.
4) Shake constantly until a pink colour which persists for fifteen seconds is obtained.

CALCULATION

Acid Value (mg KOH /g) = Titer value x Normality of KOH x 56.1
Weight of the sample (g)
The Free Fatty acid is calculated as oleic acid using the equation
1 ml N/10 KOH = 0.028 g oleic acid

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Food analysis lab - 1 – 14FP 2004
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RESULT

The free fatty acid value for the given oil sample is ____________ mg of KOH/g

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