Frequently Asked Questions

1. What method should I request to conduct shelf-life analysis?

• Peroxide value, FFA/Acid value, Anisidine value.

2. Can POL analyse whole products containing oils and fats?

• Yes, we need to extract the oil/fat out of the whole product. Please contact laboratory personnel for advice.

3. Can POL test animal-based oils, tallow and grease?

• Yes, contact laboratory personnel before submitting animal-based oils and fats.

4. What authenticity methods does POL offer?

• Fatty acid profile including the iodine value, Sterol composition, and Tocopherol composition including vitamin E.

5. Can POL determine if an oil or fat is adulterated?

• Yes, we conduct our authenticity analysis to determine if oil or fat is adulterated.

6. What does headspace mean?

• The empty volume between the oil and top of the bottle that contains no sample, which should be prevented.

7. What are amber bottles?

• Bottles that are not see-through. Dark tinted bottles.

8. Why should the samples be sent in amber glass bottles?

• Exposure to light has a negative effect on the quality of oil.

9. What is the purpose of sending duplicate samples?

• So that quality and compositional analysis can take place simultaneously.

10. What methods should I request for a full and completed Certificate of Analysis?

• Peroxide value
• FFA/Acid value
• Saponification value
• Unsaponifiable material
• Refractive Index*
• Relative density
• Fatty acid profile including the iodine value
• Alkaline Impurities* (only for refined oils)
• Anisidine value
• Moisture Karl Fisher

11. Does POL offer interpretation of results and are you able to do nutritional labelling?

• POL offers interpretation conducted by Dr Mathilda Mostert, the Founder and CEO, where she interprets the values measured on your submitted sample. After interpretation, nutritional labelling can be requested for results obtained at POL.

12. How can I, as a client, learn more about why consumable and cosmetic fats and oils should be analysed?

• Our Founder and CEO, Dr Mathilda Mostert, offers training sessions upon request.

13. What documentation states the specifications oils and fats need to comply to for human consumption?

• Codex Standard for named Vegetable Oils.

14. Does POL conduct analysis on essential oils?

• No, essential oils are fragranced volatile components. We conduct analysis on the carrier oils used in the essential oil industry.

15. Does POL personnel travel to do sampling?

• No, sampling is done by the client or contractors. Sampling guidelines are available on our website homepage, our service request, and in our terms and conditions. If you have any specific requirements, please contact laboratory personnel.

16. Does POL conduct mass project analysis for university students or research facilities?

• Yes, contact laboratory personnel for a consultation.

17. Does POL have more than one location?

• No, POL is only located in Tzaneen, Limpopo.