A Review on the Quality of Palm Oil ( Elaeis guineensis) Produced Locally in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Over 70 % inhabitants of Imo state pend on palm oil for their cooking, frying etc. The study reviews available data on palm oil quality produced locally in Imo state with a view of providing up-to-date information and identify research gaps that could have health consequences on consumers. Peer reviewed scientific articles were reviewed and a meta-analysis of four different scientific research databases, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Directory for Open-Access Journals was conducted. The result showed that palm oil produced locally in Imo state has average of pH (4.73), acid value (28.3 mg/KOH), FFA (14.15 mg/KOH), smoke point (115°C), iodine value (1.68 wijj’s), saponification value (197.07 mgKOH/g), ester value (168.77), moisture content (0.44 %), density (0.89 g/ml), SG (0.91), peroxide value (17.75 mEq./kg), refractive index (1.46 o Bx) and viscocity (60.04 cps). Overall palm oil is highly degraded and of poor quality since major quality indicators are not within Nigerian Industrial Standard and Standard Organization of Nigeria. Also, there is a dearth of information/data available on quality of palm oil produced locally in Imo state especially on its microbial status. Food scientist should look in that direction to enhance proper understanding of the quality of palm oil.