Evaluation of some physicochemical parameters of selected brands of vegetable oils sold in Ilorin metropolis

Five samples of selected brands of vegetable oils sold in Ilorin metropolis were investigated for some physicochemical parameters. Relative density, flash point, smoke point, crackle test, cold test and viscosity were determined for each sample. Also, the saponification, acids, ester and iodine values, as well as the fatty acid profile for each sample were investigated. Viscosity of the different brands of oils at varying temperature were significantly different (P 0.05) in the chemical properties investigated for all the vegetable oil samples. The fatty acid profile indicated the presence of oleic and linoleic acids in all the samples while palmitic and stearic acids were present in only two of the samples, and myristic acid was found in only one of the samples. However, all the samples met the set standards for edible oils by regulatory bodies.