IJFR 1 (2014) 8-15 Quality assessment of palm oil on sale in major markets of Ibadan, Nigeria Olorunfemi M. F. 1 *, Oyebanji A. O. 1 , Awoite T. M. 1 , Agboola A. A. 1 , Oyelakin M. O. 1 , Alimi J. P. 1 , Ikotun I. O. 1 , Olagbaju R. A. 1 and Oyedele A. O. 2 1 Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, P. M. B. 5044, Onireke, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. 2 Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Article History ABSTRACT Received 16 April, 2014 Received in revised form 15 May, 2014 Accepted 23 May, 2014 Key words: Palm oil, Moisture content, Mould load, Aflatoxin B1, Free fatty acid, Saponification value, β-carotene. Article Type: Full Length Research Article Determination of the quality of palm oil been consumed in Ibadan metropolis was carried out in the month of June 2009. Palm oil samples on sale in three Ibadan major markets (Bodija, Oje and Aleshinloye) were analyzed for moisture content, mould load, aflatoxin B1 content, free fatty acids (FFA), saponification values and β-carotene contents. Moisture contents and mould load were determined using oven-dry and pour plate methods. Aflatoxin B 1 contents was determined by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) BF method. FFA and saponification values were determined by titration methods while β-carotene was done by spectrophotometric method. The results obtained show value ranges of 0.73 to 2.0% for moisture content; 12.1 to 20.2% for FFA; 8.0×10 3 to 3.7×10 4 cfu/ml for mould load; 218.3 to 242.7 mgKOH/g for saponification; 25.0 to 38.5 mg/100g for β-carotene content and; <2 μg/kg for aflatoxin B1 contents. These results obtained are an indication that the quality of palm oil consumed in Ibadan is poor. Promotion of improved processing, good handling and storage practices that would ensure high quality palm oil for markets in Ibadan should be carried out by regulatory agents. ©2014 BluePen Journals Ltd. All rights reserved INTRODUCTION The tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa are endowed with abundant high value indigenous fruits and medicinal tree species. Many households heavily depend on these resources for their fruits, medicinal, food, constructions needs and for their livelihoods and income (Smith et al., 1983). The oil palms (Elaeis) comprise two species of the Aracaceae family. They are used in commercial agri- culture in the production of palm oil. The African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is native to West Africa, while American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera) is native to tropical Central America and South America. E. guineensis is pinnate-leaved having dense clusters of crowded flowers and bright red fruit that yield high quality palm oil. *Corresponding author: E-mail: mfolorunfemi@gmail.com. The importance of quality palm oil in our diet cannot be overemphasized. It is the main vegetable oil consumed in the world today, accounting for 33% of all oils consumed globally, closely followed by soya oil with 31% (ICEX, 2014). In the previous decade, world palm oil consumption has more than doubled from around 16.7 million tonnes in 1997/98 to over 40 million tonnes in 2007/08 and this figure is estimated to surpass 70 million tonnes by 2020 (Grapevine, 2008). Palm oil is very nutritious. They are useful for bone, joint, and skin health. Not only is palm oil a rare source of medium chain fatty acids, it is also a source of healthy unsaturated fats. It is a well-balanced fat, with 39% oleic acid (omega-9) and 10% linoleic acid (omega-6). These essential fatty acids help to lower blood cholesterol levels in the body. It is the richest vegetable oil source of tocotrienols – which are potent forms of vitamin E. Vitamin E strengthens the immune system, and protects skin cells from toxins and