Free Fatty Acids (FFA) test in Fats and Oils
In just 1 minute you can perform the analysis of Free Fatty Acids (FFA) value in edible fats and oils using innovative CDR FoodLab method that simplifies and speeds up the AOCS Official Method Ca 5a- 40 procedure with the same accuracy.
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Compliant to AOCS Method
The calibration curve of the analytical method FoodLab, carried out with respect to the reference method AOCS Official Method Ca 5a-40.

Analyzers
You can determine the value of the Free Fatty Acids (FFA) in oils and fats with different systems of FoodLab Line:
- FoodLabFat: designed to measure the free fatty acids (FFA)/Acidity, peroxide value (PV), soaps, Anisidine value (AnV) in oils and fats
- OxiTester: to test the Ferr Fatty Acids (FFA), Peroxide Value (PV) and Polyphenols/Oil Stability Index (OSI) in vegetable oil like olive oil, avocado oil, seeds oil etc.
- FoodLab: designed for analysis on food like milk, eggs, tomatoes, vegetable puree, cheese, dairy products and fats.
- PalmOilTester: designed to measure acidity (FFA), Iodine Value (IV), DOBI & carotene content, Peroxide Value (PV), Anisidine Value (AnV) in palm oil.
- WineLab: designed for analysis of Wine and Must, configurable to determine FFA, Peroxide Value, poliphenols in olive oil.
- MiniFood: to test Free Fatty Acids and Peroxide Value in oils and fats.
To find out what is the analyzer that best suits your needs
See the comparison table»
Method
Test type: End Point.
Colorimetric reaction at 630 nm.
Testing time: one test 1 minute - 80 Tests/hour.
Are possible test sessions with several samples, up to a maximum of 14.
The system is supplied pre-calibrated and ready for use.
It is also possible to standardize the system using samples with a known value.
Principle of the test
Free fatty acids of the sample, at pH<7.0, react with a chromogenous compound and decrease its color. The decreasing of color, read at 630 nm, is proportional to the acid concentration of the sample, expressed as % of oleic acid.
The acid content of edible fats is given by the quantity of free fatty acids deriving from the hydrolytic rancidity of triglycerides. As this alteration occurs in unsuitable conditions for the processing and preservation of fats, acidity represents a basic indicator of the genuineness of the product. The test is particularly important during the refining of oils and fats, for the assessment of the processing cycle and for the definition of product categories.
Composition of the Kit and Reagents
Code *300128: kit suitable for 10 tests, contains 1 bag includes 10 pre-filled cuvettes with reagent (mixture of alcohols and chromogenous compounds).
Code *300125: kit suitable for 100 tests contains: a box includes 10 x reagent test kit *300128.
For samples, with high acidity, where a dilution is requested, you must use an appropriate reagent kits.
Code *300138: kit suitable for 10 tests, contains - 1 bag includes 10 pre-filled cuvettes with reagent (mixture of alcohols and chromogenous compounds) and 10 prefilled cuvettes with a proper diluent.
Code *300135: kit suitable for 100 tests, contains 1 box includes 10 x reagent test kit *300138.
Code *300120: Il kit consente di effettuare 100 determinazioni e contiene R1: Flacone contente100 mL di reagente cromogeno in soluzione alcolica. 100 provette con tappo.
Kit for dilution*300129 - suitable for 100 tests, contains:
1) bulk with 100 mL of a proper diluents.
2) 100 empty cuvettes with caps.
Sample Handling and Usage of Curves
Sample
Oil as is (extracted from dry fruits, seeds, nuts, etc.).
Solid fats: melted using bain-marie method before starting the test (animal fats, palm oil, etc.).
Extractable fats: extract the fatty part following the instructions provided in the test method (butter, cream, margarine, semi-finished products, etc.).
FFA test in olive oil and other vegetables oils:
Specific curves suitable for the analyzers OxiTester, OxiTester k270 e WineLab
| Curve | Code | Meas. range %oleicAc. | Sample Volume | Resolution %oleicAc. | Accuracy | Repeatability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acid. oil extr | *300128/A *300125/A |
0.03-1.1% | 2.5 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
| Acid. oil high | *300128/A *300125/A |
0.08-3.5% | 1.0 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
| Acid. oil lamp | *300138 *300135 |
1-12% | 2.5 µL diluted (100µL) | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
| Acid. oil >10 | *300138 *300135 |
5-24% | 2.5 µL diluted (50µL) | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
Specific curves suitable for the analyzer MiniFoodLab.
| Curve | Code | Meas. range (%oleic ac.) | Sample Volume | Resolution (%oleic ac.) | Accuracy | Repeatability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acid. oil extr | *300128/A *300125/A |
0.03 - 1.1% | 2.5 µL | 0.05 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
| Acid. oil high | *300128/A *300125/A |
0.08 – 2.2% | 1.0 µL | 0.05 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
| Acid. oil lamp | *300138 *300135 |
1 - 12% | 2.5 µL diluted (100µL) | 0.5 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
| Acid. oil >10 | *300138 *300135 |
5 - 22% | 2.5 µL diluted (50µL) | 1 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
Free Fatty acids test in fat matrix
Specific curves suitable for the analyzers FoodLab e FoodLabFat.
| Curve | Code | Measuring range (%oleic ac.) | Sample Volume | Resolution (%oleic ac.) | Accuracy | Repeatability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acid.10 µL | *300128 *300125 |
0.01 – 0.3% | 10 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
| Acid.5 µL | *300128 *300125 |
0.01 - 0.6% | 1.0 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
| Acid.2.5 µL | *300128 *300125 |
0.03 – 1.1% | 2.5 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
| Acid.1 µL | *300128 *300125 |
0.09 – 3.5% | 1 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
| Acid.dil-100 µL | *300128 *300125 |
1 - 12% | 2.5 µL diluito (100µL) | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
| Acid.dil-50 µL | *300128 *300125 |
5 – 24% | 2.5 µL diluito (50µL) | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
The curves 10 µL e 5µL are mainly recommended for refined oils with very low acidity, requiring great precision to values lower than 0.5. The curve 2.5 µL is very accurate over the whole range and can be used for refined oils and non-refined with acidity below 1.1. The other ones are recommended only for oils with high levels of acidity.
FFA test in butter; margarine; cream and semi-finished fats
Specific curves suitable for the analyzers FoodLab e FoodLabFat.
| Curve | Code | Measuring range (%oleic ac.) | Sample Volume | Resolution (%oleic ac.) | Accuracy | Repeatability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acid.5 µL | *300128 *300125 |
0.01 - 0.6% | 5 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
The curve 5µL is the same for the analysis of fats, but in this case it is necessary tomake a small sample treatment .
FFA test in dried fruits nuts
Specific curves suitable for the analyzers FoodLab and FoodLabFat.
| Curve | Code | Measuring range (%oleic ac.) | Sample Volume | Resolution (%oleic ac.) | Accuracy | Repeatability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acid.10 µL | *300128 *300125 |
0.01 - 0.3% | 10 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
| Acid.5 µL | *300128 *300125 |
0.01 - 0.6% | 5 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
| Acid.2.5 µL | *300128 *300125 |
0.03 – 1.1% | 2.5 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
The curves are the same for the analysis of fats, these are the most suitable rangefor the application of dried fruit nuts. The oil is extracted by pressure through the system CDR cold extraction.
FFA test in Palm Oil
Specific curves suitable for the analyzer PalmOilTester.
| Curve | Code | Measuring range (%oleic ac.) | Sample Volume | Resolution (%oleic ac.) | Accuracy | Repeatability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acidity Low PO | *300120 | 0.01 - 0.54% | 5 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<2% |
| Acidity Low PK | *300120 | 0.01 - 0.45% | 5 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<2% |
| Acidity High PO | *300120 | 1 - 12.57% | 2.5 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<2% |
| Acidity High PK | *300120 | 1 - 10.60% | 2.5 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<2% |
Acid Value in Oils and Fats
Specific curves suitable for the analyzers FoodLab e FoodLabFat.
| Curve | Code | Measuring range (%oleic ac.) | Sample Volume | Resolution (%oleic ac.) | Accuracy | Repeatability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acid.2.5 µL | *300128 *300125 |
0.06 – 2.19 | 2.5 µL | 0.01 | +/- 5% | CV<3% |
Curve primarily applicable in the control of Biodiesel and fuel oils, requiring the expression of the result in Acid Aalue.
Find out the analyzer that best suits your needs
To find out what is the analyzer that best suits your needs
See the comparison table»


