Quality Evaluation and Vitamin A Determination of Palm Oil Samples From Different Markets in FCT – Abuja, Nigeria

Eleven palm oil samples were obtained from different local markets within Abuja metropolis. The markets include; Lambata, big sheda, Kabusa, Gwala Dagiri, Gwala Angwandodo, Gwala Wazobia, four bedroom Saburi, tomato market Dei-dei, Dutse and Kubwa markets. The samples were labelled A – K respectively. The physicochemical properties were determined using the following parameters; acid value, free fatty acid (FFA), saponification value, iodine value, peroxide value, moisture content and density. The Total carotenoids (vitamin A) and test for water soluble adulterants of the samples were also investigated. The physicochemical analysis shows the parameters in the following range: acid value (34.31 – 67.32 mgKOH/g), saponification value (200.05 – 247.17mgKOH/g), iodine value (14.54 – 27.52 wijs), peroxide value (2.58 – 4.91meg/kg), density (0.83 – 0.94 g/ml) and moisture (0.51 – 15.80%). The vitamin A results is also in the range of 41.88 – 149.45 mg/100g), while the tests for adulterants were negative for all the oil samples.