TOLERABLE CONCENTRATION OF OLEFINIC STEROL DEGRADATION PRODUCTS IN EDIBLE FATS AND OILS SOLD AS NON-REFINED

Minimum conditions resulting in degradation of sterols were investigat ed for deodoration, heat treatment, and treatment with earth. In all r espects they far exceeded what is acceptable for an oil labled as ''co ld pressed'', ''non-refined'' or ''extra vergin''. It is concluded tha t no degradation product exceeding the detection limit of 0.02 mg/kg s hould be present. The expectation of the consumers seems, in fact, dec eived, if components as stable as sterols are degraded. For the contro l of non-refined oils it is proposed to apply the limit valid for oliv e oils, i.e. 0.10 mg/kg 3,5-stigmastadiene. Oils deodorated at modest temperatures should be designated as such, e.g. as ''cold pressed and gently deodorated''.