Rapid methods for determination of free fatty acids contents in fatty oils

Rapid qualitative and quantitative methods for determining the free fatty acid (FFA) contents in common oils and fats are reported. Qualitative method is based on the type of color developed in the presence of BDH indicators (Universal and “678”) when a known excess of alkali is added to an alcoholic solution of oil or fat. By this method, low (0.0–0.25), medium (0.26–0.99) and high (1.0 and above) FFA levels in fatty oils may be distinguished. Quantitative method is a simplified modification of the usual procedure of determining the FFA contents of oils and fats by titration against standard alkali solution in the presence of BDH Universal or “678” indicator. The results of the rapid methods agree well with those of the standard AOCS method.