Evaluation of the vitamin A content and the peroxide value of vegetable oils commonly sold in markets in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem in developing countries and particularly affects young children and women of childbearing age. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation of the national policy on the production and importation of refined vegetable oils and mandatory vitamin A fortification in Burkina Faso, through the determination of the vitamin A content and peroxide value of vegetable oils sold on the market. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five cities selected according to population density. Fifty-nine oil samples were purchased in these cities to assess vitamin A content, peroxide value and compliance with national and Codex standards. Overall, 76.17% of the oils were not adequately fortified with vitamin A. For the peroxide value, 3.39% of the oils did not comply. Overall, 77.97% of the oils did not comply for these two parameters. In view of these results, it is necessary to intensify the fight against the consumption of oils not enriched in vitamin A in Burkina Faso.