QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF PALM OIL SOLD IN VARIOUS MARKETS IN LOKOJA, KOGI STATE
Abstract
Palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) is a vital cooking ingredient and economic commodity in Nigeria, yet its quality and safety remain major concerns due to poor handling and deliberate adulteration. This study assessed the physicochemical properties and safety of palm oil sold in five major Lokoja markets: Old Market, Kpata Market, Lokongoma Market, Adankolo Market, and the New International Market. Standard analytical methods were used to determine moisture content, acid value, free fatty acid (FFA) concentration, iodine value, peroxide value, saponification value, and refractive index, while thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was employed to detect adulteration with Sudan III dye. The results revealed significant variations across markets: Lokongoma and Kpata oils had higher moisture content, acid values, and FFA levels, indicating susceptibility to hydrolytic rancidity and reduced storage stability, while the New International Market oil showed lower moisture and peroxide values but the highest iodine value, suggesting better oxidative stability and nutritional quality. Saponification values varied between 173.47 and 190.01 mg/g KOH, pointing to differences in fatty acid composition, while refractive indices, though not significantly different, exceeded standard ranges. Alarmingly, TLC analysis confirmed Sudan III adulteration in oils from four of the five markets, with Lokongoma recording the highest concentration. In contrast, the New International Market oil remained free of contamination. These findings highlight significant challenges to palm oil quality and safety in Lokoja, underscoring the need for improved storage practices, the elimination of harmful adulteration, strict regulatory enforcement, and increased consumer awareness. Collectively, the study underscores the importance of better handling and monitoring to safeguard public health and preserve the nutritional and economic value of palm oil sold locally.
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