Question

In stability of fats and oils thio-barbituric acid test is used to test-------------.

• A. Reversion
• B. Rendering
• C. Refining
• D. Rancidity

Hint:

Remember:
1. Peroxide Value (PV) measures primary oxidation products (hydroperoxides).
2. TBA Value measures secondary oxidation products (malondialdehyde/rancidity).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Lipid oxidation leads to the degradation of fats and oils, producing off-flavors and off-odors collectively known as oxidative rancidity.
Chemical assays are used to measure primary or secondary oxidation products to quantify the extent of this quality loss.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. The Thiobarbituric Acid (TBA) test is a widely accepted chemical method used to measure secondary lipid oxidation products.
2. It specifically reacts with malondialdehyde (MDA), a secondary oxidation product of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
3. The reaction produces a pink-colored chromogen that can be measured spectrophotometrically at \(532\ \text{nm}\).
4. The concentration of MDA directly correlates with the degree of oxidative rancidity in fats, oils, and high-fat foods.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The thio-barbituric acid (TBA) test is used to measure rancidity.