Teledyne Leeman Labs has published a new application note entitled The Analysis of Edible Oils using the Prodigy High Dispersion ICP. Edible oils are derived from a wide variety of plants and plant seeds and are used in many aspects of domestic and world- wide food production. Once the oil has been extracted from a plant seed, it is refined as needed for use in foods such as salad dressings, margarine, shortenings, snack foods and frying oils. The elements of concern for the analysis of edible oils are phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and nickel. Significant concentrations of these metals can affect the flavour, colour and stability of the oils. To improve product quality these substances are removed during the refining process. This application note demonstrates the ability of the Prodigy High Dispersion ICP to determine trace elements in edible oils. Its sensitivity and dispersion, combined with appropriately chosen wavelengths and background correction points, can be used to provide accurate and reliable results from a large number of elements in the oils.
