Comparative analysis of safety and quality parameters in oil samples procured from street food points
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Date
2025
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UMT, Lahore
Abstract
Edible oils and ghee are a source of great supply, since they are used for processing street food. However, due to their heating, storage at improper conditions and contamination, concerns over their quality and safety have grown being sold increasingly in street vendors. This study was aimed to study physicochemical properties of edible oils used by street vendors of different areas of Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan. Evaluation was made for key parameters such as free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), iodine value (IV), saponification value (SV), viscosity, specific gravity, moisture content and total polar materials (TPM). The sensory qualities such as odor and clarity were also considered for consumer acceptability. To analyze ten oil samples from various street vendors, standardized analytical methods were used. Frying cycle was also observed to show that they have a large difference in oil quality based on the oxidation level of some samples had very bad oxidation levels which can mean very high FFA and TPM as an indication of oil degradation originating from deep fats. Some samples had poor sensory attributes (odor, clarity) and deterioration aspects. Most parameters had significant differences (p < 0.05) which mean that parameter varied for oil quality is due to variations in processing, storage and frying methods. The study also highlights the relevance of stricter regulation, better handling of oil by street vendors and increasing people’s awareness to the health risks of repeatedly heating oil. With some improvements, these results are of high value in the elaboration of policies, food safety authorities and consumer interest towards improving the quality and the safety of the edible oils used in street food. The results also show that in order to protect public health, oil quality requirements must be continuously monitored and enforced. Future researchers can also use the baseline data from this study to analyze the trends in oil quality throughout Pakistan's various areas.