Evaluación del comportamiento sanitario de los aceites y grasas comercializadas en Cuba

Imported and Cuban-made fats and oils submitted for approval to the Sanitary Register of the Institute of Nutrition and Food Hygiene (INHA) during 1995-1999 period were evaluated from the sanitary viewpoint, after determination of their identity, peroxide number, type of package and labelling. 124 oils and 48 fats were evaluated. They included 67 brands from different countries, 33.8 % coming from Spain and 47,9 from Mexico. Four oils (three brands) from Cuba were also evaluated. Sunflower oil (33.0 %) and olive oil (32.0 %) were the most frequent oils in the samples. Specifications of analyzed samples were in accor with Cuban drafts (series 38). Evaluation showed that in 98 % of samples identity (origin) was the same that appeared in the label. 9.1 % of samples were not accepted and 91.9 % obtained the required Sanitary Certificate for their sale in Cuba. Improvement of sanitary evaluation of oils and fats is recommended so as quality evaluation and determination of mass conservation after frying operations. For consumers sake.