Codex Alimentarius - 25 - Olive Oil

Volume 8 – 2001 CODEX STAN 33

CODEX STANDARD FOR OLIVE OIL, VIRGIN AND REFINED,

AND FOR REFINED OLIVE-POMACE OIL
1
CODEX STAN 33-1981 (Rev. 1-1989)

1. SCOPE
This Standard applies to virgin olive oil, refined olive oil, refined olive-pomace oil, blends of refined olive oil
and virgin olive oil and blends of refined olive-pomace oil and virgin olive oil.

2. DESCRIPTION

2.1 Olive oil is the oil obtained from the fruit of the olive tree (0lea europaea sativa Hoffm. et Link)
without having been subjected to manipulation or any treatment not authorized by sub-sections 2.2 and 2.3 of
this Standard.
2.2 Virgin olive oil is the oil obtained from the fruit of the olive tree by mechanical or other physical
means under conditions, particularly thermal, which do not lead to alteration of the oil. Virgin olive oil is an oil
which is suitable for consumption in the natural state.
2.3 Refined olive oil is the oil obtained from virgin olive oil, the acid content and/or organoleptic
characteristics of which render it unsuitable for consumption in the natural state, by means of refining
methods which do not lead to alterations in the initial glyceridic structure.
2.4 Refined olive-pomace oil is the oil obtained from "olive pomace" by extraction by means of solvents
and made edible by means of refining methods which do not lead to alteration in the initial glyceridic
structure.
2
3. ESSENTIAL COMPOSITION AND QUALITY FACTORS
3
3.1 Identity Characteristics (under normal ecological conditions)
3.1.1 GLC ranges of fatty acid composition (% m/m of methyl esters)

Lauric acid (C 12:0) Not present in discernible amounts

Myristic acid (C 14:0) < 0.1
Palmitic acid (C 16:0) 7.5 – 20.0
Palmitoleic acid (C 16:1) 0.3 - 3.5
Heptadecanoic acid (C 17:0) < 0.5
Heptadecenoic acid (C 17:1) < 0.6
Stearic acid (C 18:0) 0.5 - 5.0

1
Formerly CAC/RS 33-1970.
2
The limits of essential composition and quality factors of virgin olive oils show very widely spaced minimum
and maximum values, since they take account of the oil characteristics of all producing countries.
Characteristics and limits of physical and chemical indices and values, and of fatty acid composition for the
various grades of virgin olive oils produced in each olive-growing area, determined at the outset and close of
the olive oil production year, are published yearly in each producing country's "National 0live 0il Index File".
3
Samples falling outside the GLC fatty acid ranges are not in compliance with the Standard. Supplementary
non-mandatory criteria may be employed if it is considered necessary to confirm that a sample is in compliance
with the standard.
Olive Oil - 26 - Codex Alimentarius
CODEX STAN 33 Volume 8 – 2001
0leic acid (C 18:1) 55.0 – 83.0

Linoleic acid (C 18:2) 3.5 – 21.0

Linolenic acid (C 18:3) < 1.5
Arachidic acid (C 20:0) < 0.8
Behenic acid (C 22:0) < 0.3
Erucic acid (C 22:1) Not present in discernible amounts
Lignoceric acid (C 24:0) < 1.0

3.1.2 Physical and chemical indices

3.1.2.1 Relative density (20oC/water at 20oC)
Virgin olive oil )
Refined olive oil ) 0.910 - 0.916
Refined olive-pomace oil )
20
3.1.2.2 Refractive index (nD )

Virgin olive oil ) 1.4677 - 1.4705

Refined olive oil )
Refined olive-pomace oil 1.4680 - 1.4707
3.1.2.3 Saponification value (mg KOH/g oil)
Virgin olive oil ) 184 – 196
Refined olive oil )
Refined olive-pomace oil 182 – 193
3.1.2.4 Iodine value (Wijs)
Virgin olive oil ) 75 – 94
Refined olive oil )
Refined olive-pomace oil 75 – 92
3.1.2.5 Unsaponifiable matter (using light petroleum)
4
Virgin olive oil ) not more than 15 g/kg
Refined olive oil )
5
Refined olive-pomace oil not more than 30 g/kg

4
A characteristic feature of the unsaponifiable matter in olive oil is its content of squalene, which is higher than
that of the other vegetable oils. Another distinctive feature is that its sterols are composed of practically pure
beta-sitosterol.
5
The unsaponifiable matter of olive-pomace oil contains more alcoholic compounds than that of virgin or refined
olive oils, and its iodine value is therefore lower than that normally noted in virgin or refined olive oils, and its
melting point is higher.
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Volume 8 – 2001 CODEX STAN 33

3.1.2.6 Bellier index

6
Virgin olive oil not more than 17
Refined olive oil
Refined olive-pomace oil not applicable
3.1.2.7 Semi-siccative oil test
Virgin olive oil )
Refined olive oil ) negative
Refined olive-pomace oil )
3.1.2.8 0live-pomace oil test
Virgin olive oil ) negative
Refined olive oil )
Refined olive-pomace oil not relevant
3.1.2.9 Cottonseed oil test
Virgin olive oil )
Refined olive oil ) negative
Refined olive-pomace oil )
3.1.2.10 Teaseed oil test
Virgin olive oil )
Refined olive oil ) negative
Refined olive-pomace oil )
3.1.2.11 Sesameseed oil tests
Virgin olive oil )
Refined olive oil ) negative
Refined olive-pomace oil )
7
3.1.2.12 Sterol content (% of the sum of beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol)
Beta-sitosterol Campesterol Cholesterol
Virgin olive oil )
Refined olive oil ) = 93 = 4.0 = 0.5
Refined olive-pomace oil )
3.1.2.13 Saturated fatty acids at position 2
Maximum level
Virgin olive oil 1.5% m/m
Refined olive oil 1.8% m/m

6
Should this index be higher than 17, the content of arachidic, behenic and lignoceric acid shall be given.
7
Beta-sitosterol as determined by the method of analysis specified by the Standard includes ∆-5 avenasterol
since this is not separated from beta-sitosterol by the column packing material SE30.
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CODEX STAN 33 Volume 8 – 2001
Blends of refined olive oil and virgin olive oil 1.8% m/m

Refined olive-pomace oil 2.2% m/m

Blends of refined olive-pomace oil and virgin olive oil 2.0% m/m
The saturated fatty acids at position 2 means the sum of the palmitic (16:0) and stearic (18:0) acids expressed
as a percentage (m/m) of the total fatty acids at position 2.

3.2 Quality Characteristics

3.2.1 Colour, odour and taste

Virgin olive oil: Clear oil, of a yellow to green colour, with specific odour and taste, free from odours or tastes
indicating alteration or pollution of oil.
Refined olive oil: Clear oil, limpid without sediment, of clear yellow colour without specific odour or taste and
free from odours or tastes indicating alteration or pollution of the oil.
Refined olive-pomace oil: Clear oil, limpid, without sediment, of a yellow to yellow-brown colour, without
specific odour or taste and free from odours or tastes indicating alteration or pollution of the oil.
Blends: The colour, odour and taste shall be intermediate between those of two types blended.

3.2.2 Free acidity

Acidity maximum Acid value maximum
% m/m expressed as oleic acid mg KOH/g oil
Virgin olive oil 3.3 6.6
Refined olive oil 0.3 0.6
Refined olive-pomace oil 0.3 0.6
Blends l.5 3.0

3.2.3 Peroxide value (in milliequivalents peroxide oxygen/kg oil)

Virgin olive oil = 20
Refined olive oil = 10
Refined olive-pomace oil = 10
Blends = 20
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Volume 8 – 2001 CODEX STAN 33
3.2.4 Specific extinction in ultra-violet
Extinction (E) Extinction (E) ∆E
maximum at 232 nm maximum at 270 nm maximum variation at
near 270 nm
8
Virgin olive oil 3.50 0.30
Refined olive oil - 1.10 0.16
Refined olive-pomace oil 6.00 2.00 0.20
Blends of refined olive oil and - 0.90 0.15
virgin olive oil
Blends of refined olive-pomace oil 5.50 1.70 0.18
and virgin olive oil

4. FOOD ADDITIVES
Maximum level
4.1 Virgin olive oil None permitted
4.2 Refined olive oil ) Alpha-tocopherol for the purpose of 200 mg/kg total
restoring natural tocopherol lost in alpha-tocopherol in the final
Refined olive-pomace oil )
processing product
Blends )

5. CONTAMINANTS
5.1 Matter volatile at 105oC
Virgin olive oil ≤ 0.2% m/m
Refined olive oil ≤ 0.1% m/m
Refined olive-pomace oil ≤ 0.1% m/m
Blends ≤ 0.1% m/m
5.2 Insoluble impurities
Virgin olive oil ≤ 0.1% m/m
Refined olive oil ≤ 0.05% m/m
Refined olive-pomace oil ≤ 0.05% m/m
Blends ≤ 0.05% m/m
5.3 Soap Test
Refined olive oil )
Refined olive-pomace oil ) negative
Virgin olive oil )

Virgin olive oil ) not applicable

Blends )

8
0ils having a specific extinction at 270 nm exceeding 0.30 may still be regarded as virgin oils if, after passage of
the sample through activated alumina, their specific extinction at 270 nm is less than 0.11.
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CODEX STAN 33 Volume 8 – 2001
6. HYGIENE
It is recommended that the product covered by the provisions of this Standard be prepared in accordance
with the appropriate Sections of the General Principle of Food Hygiene recommended by the Codex
Alimentarius Commission (CAC/RCP 1-1969, Rev. 3-1997).

7. LABELLING
In addition to the provisions of the General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods (CODEX
STAN 1-1985, Rev. 1-1991), the following provisions shall apply.

7.1 Name of the Food

7.1.1 All products designated as "olive oil" shall conform to the provisions of this Standard for virgin olive
or refined olive oil and shall be either virgin olive oil, refined olive oil or a blend of refined olive oil and virgin
olive oil.
7.1.2 All products designated as "virgin olive oil" shall conform to the provisions for virgin olive oil.
7.1.3 All products designated as "refined olive oil" shall conform to the provisions for refined olive oil.

7.1.4 All products designated as "refined olive-pomace oil" shall conform to the provisions for
refined-pomace oil.
7.1.5 Refined olive-pomace oil shall in no case be described as "olive oil" but shall always be designated as
"refined olive-pomace oil".
7.1.6 Blends of refined olive-pomace oil and virgin olive oil shall be described as "olive-pomace oil".

7.2 Labelling of Non-retail Containers

In addition to the provisions of the General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods (CODEX
STAN 1-1985, Rev. 1-1991), the following provisions shall apply to outer containers of a number of
prepackaged containers of the products covered by the Standard.
Information on the above labelling requirements shall be given either on the container or in accompanying
documents, except that the name of the food, lot identification and the name and address of the manufacturer
or packer shall appear on the container.
However, lot identification and the name and address of the manufacturer or packer may be replaced by an
identification mark, provided that such a mark is clearly identifiable with the accompanying documents.

8. METHODS OF ANALYSIS AND SAMPLING

8.1 Determination of Fatty Acid Composition

According to IUPAC 2.301, 2.302 and 2.304 or ISO 5508: 1990/5509: 1999.

8.2 Determination of Relative Density

According to IUPAC 2.101, with the appropriate conversion factor. Results are expressed as relative density
at 20oC/water at 20oC.

8.3 Determination of Refractive Index

According to IUPAC 2.102.
Results are expressed as the refractive index relative to the sodium D-line at 20ºC.
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Volume 8 – 2001 CODEX STAN 33
8.4 Determination of Saponification Value
According to IUPAC 2.202.
Results are expressed in mg KOH/g oil.

8.5 Determination of Iodine Value

According to IUPAC 2.205/1, Wijs method, or ISO 3961:1996
Results are expressed as % m / m absorbed iodine.

8.6 Determination of Unsaponifiable Matter

According to IUPAC 2.401 (part 1-5). Results are expressed as g unsaponifiable matter/kg oil.

8.7 Determination of Bellier Index (CAC/RM 20-1970)

Definition
The Bellier Index of an oil is the temperature at which precipitation of salts of the fatty acids of this oil
commences, when the oil has been saponified and made into solution as described under Procedure.
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CODEX STAN 33 Volume 8 – 2001

Reagents
The reagents used shall be of recognized analytical reagent quality.
− Aqueous ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution.
− 42.5 g of pure KOH is dissolved in 72 ml of distilled water and adjusted to 500 ml with 95% v/v ethanol.
− 70% v/v ethanol solution (use pure ethanol or rectified spirit).
Aqueous acetic acid solution 1+2 (by volume) so adjusted that 1.5 ml exactly neutralizes (phenolphthalein
indicator) 5 ml of the aqueous ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution (8.7.2.1).
Apparatus
− 220 mm x 26-27 mm test tubes.
− Condenser consisting of a glass tube with stopper.
− Thermometer graduated in 1/4° from 8 to 25°C, fixed in a stopper.
Preparation of Sample
To remove water, the oil is decanted and filtered through paper at a temperature slightly above the melting
point of certain solid constituents which could separate from the fluid fatty matter.
Procedure
Place 1 ml of oil and 5 ml of the aqueous ethanolic KOH solution into a test tube. Connect to condenser and
heat moderately, agitating by rotation from time to time until saponification is completed, i.e. until a perfectly
clear solution in obtained. Allow to cool, disconnect condenser and add 1.5 ml of the aqueous acetic acid
solution and 50 ml of the ethanol solution. Attach thermometer and homogenize. Place test tube in a beaker
of water at 23-25°C. If a flocculent precipitate forms, leave standing for an hour at the same temperature
and filter into a test tube. Attach thermometer to the test tube containing the clear solution. Place for a
moment in a beaker of water at about 10°C less than the estimated Bellier index. Withdraw and ensure even
temperature by inverting a number of times (cooling should be at the rate of about 1°C per minute). Repeat
this operation until cloudiness appears. Note temperature. Allow the temperature to increase a few degrees
to dissolve the precipitate. Homogenize by inverting test tube over and cool. The cooling should be slow and
shaking more frequent as the temperature approaches that noted the first time.
Expression of Results
The Bellier index is the temperature °C at which the cloudiness reappears.
Repeatability
Two parallel determinations may not differ by more than 0.25°C.

8.8 Semi-siccative Oil Tests (CAC/RM 21-1970)

Principle of Method
Based on the reaction between semi-siccative (unsaturated) oils and bromine yielding substances which form
an insoluble precipitate at 0°C.
Reagents
The reagents shall be of recognized analytical reagent quality.
− Hexane, or, if not available, light petroleum with distillation point between 40° and 60°C and bromine
value less than 1, free of residues.
− Bromine reagent obtained by adding drop by drop while shaking 4 ml of chemically pure bromine (the
presence of chlorine prevents the reaction) into 100 ml of hexane or light petroleum, chilled to 0°C and
kept in the melting ice bath until required.
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Volume 8 – 2001 CODEX STAN 33

Apparatus
− Stoppered 50-ml Erlenmeyer flask.
− Bath of melting ice.
Procedure
The oil to be tested is filtered and dried. Place 1 ml of the oil in the previously dried Erlenmeyer flask and
dissolve in 10 ml of hexane. Place the stoppered Erlenmeyer flask in the melting ice bath. After 5 min add 10
ml of bromine reagent in small quantities at a time, while shaking and maintaining the temperature at 0°C.
The colour of the solution must clearly indicate excess bromine. Leave the Erlenmeyer flask in the melting
ice bath for one hour, after which note appearance of solution. If semi-siccative oil is present, a flocculent
precipitate will form varying in quantity according to the percentage of adulteration and the nature of the
adulterating oil. The solution remains clear and transparent in the case of genuine olive oils.
Expression of Results
The result is expressed as positive or negative.

8.9 Olive-Pomace Oil Test (CAC/RM 22-1970)

Principle of Method
Based on the temperature of precipitation of salts of the fatty acids after saponification.
Reagents
The reagents used shall be of recognized analytical reagent quality.
− Aqueous ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution. 42.5 g of pure KOH is dissolved in 72 ml of distilled
water and adjusted to 500 ml with 95% v/v ethanol.
− 70% v/v ethanol solution (use pure ethanol or rectified spirit).
− Aqueous acetic acid solution 1+2 (by volume) so adjusted that 1.5 ml exactly neutralizes (phenolphthalein
indicator) 5 ml of the aqueous ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution.
Apparatus
− 100 m1 balloon-flask equipped with reflux condenser.
− 50 ml test tubes.
− Heating arrangement to keep balloon-flask at about 80°C.
− Thermometer graduated from 15° to 60°C.
Preparation of Sample
To remove water, the oil is decanted and filtered through paper at a temperature slightly above the melting
point of certain solid constituents which could separate from the fluid fatty matter.
Procedure
Place about 1 g of the oil, prepared as above, into the balloon-flask. Add 5 ml of aqueous ethanol potassium
hydroxide solution. Attach condenser and bring to boil holding at this temperature for 10 minutes, shaking
from time to time. Allow to cool at ambient temperature. Add 1.5 ml of acetic acid solution and 50 ml of
ethanol solution previously heated to 50°C. Mix by shaking, introduce thermometer and allow to cool, noting
the appearance of the solution once 45°C in reached. If a flocculent precipitate forms at a temperature above
40°C, the test is positive. Allow to cool to ambient temperature (not lower than 18°C) over at least 12 hours.
Observe solution again; the formation of a flocculent precipitate, floating in the middle of the liquid also
indicates that the test is positive. A cloudiness not forming into flakes does not indicate the presence of olive-
pomace oil.
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CODEX STAN 33 Volume 8 – 2001

Expression of Results
The result is expressed as positive or negative.
NOTE : On rare occasions some virgin olive oils, obtained by second pressing, yield a positive result.

8.10 Cottonseed Oil Test (CAC/RM 23-1970)

Principle of Method
Based on red colour developed by cyclo-propenoic acids under the operating conditions in the presence of
sulphur.
Reagents
The reagents used shall be of recognized analytical quality.
Sulphur reagents : Mix equal volumes of amyl alcohol and a solution of 1 g of sulphur in 100 ml of carbon
disulphide.
Apparatus
− 250 mm x 25 mm test tubes.
− Water bath with constant temperature control.
− Heating apparatus to keep the test tubes at 110o-120o C.
Procedure
Place approximately 10 ml of the oil under examination into a test tubes add the same volume of sulphur
reagent; shake and keep in water bath at 70°- 80°C, shaking until the carbon disulphide has comple tely
evaporated (generally 5 minutes are enough), which is confirmed by the appearance of slight fuming above
the liquid. Transfer the test tube to the heating apparatus and keep at 110°- 120°C for 2.hours. A red, or pink
colour indicates the presence of cottonseed oil. However, the appearance of an orange colour must not be
interpreted as being proof of the presence of cottonseed oil.
Expression of Results
The result in expressed as positive or negative.
NOTE: The heating of the cottonseed oil to a temperature above 170°C brings about a progressive
destruction of the cyclo-propenoic acid responsible for the coloration. This destruction in practically complete
at 200°C.

8.11 Teaseed Oil Test (CAC/RM 24-1970)

Principle of Method
Based on Fitelson (modified Lieberman-Burchard) tests i.e. red colour developed by acetic anhydride in the
presence of sulphuric acid in chloroform solution of the oil.
Reagents
The reagents used shall be of recognised analytical quality.
− Chloroform
− Concentrated sulphuric acid (d = 1.84)
− Acetic anhydride
− Diethyl oxide
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Volume 8 – 2001 CODEX STAN 33

Apparatus
− 150 mm x 15 mm test tubes.
− 2 ml pipette, graduated in tenths.
− Dropper so calibrated that 7 drops of oil weigh approximately 0.22 g.
− Water bath at 5oC.
Procedure
Using the graduated pipette, place 0.8 ml of acetic anhydride, 1.5 ml of chloroform and 0.2 ml of sulphuric
acid in a test tube. Cool to 5°C, then add approximately 0.22 g of oil. If cloudiness appears add acetic
anhydride drop by drop with shaking until the solution becomes clear. Keep at 5°C for 5 minutes. Add 10 ml
of diethyl oxide previously cooled to 5°C. Stopper the test tube and mix immediately by inverting it twice.
Return the test tube to the bath at 5°C and observe the colour. After about one minute a red colour will
appear if tea oil is present.
Expression of Results
The result is expressed as positive or negative.
NOTE: A pink colour shall be regarded as negative, since some olive oils yield this colour.

8.12 Sesameseed Oil Tests (CAC/RM 25-1970)

Principle of Method
Based on the detection of sesamoline, a glycoside, and sesamine, a complex cyclic ether, which are present
in small amounts in sesameseed oil.
8.12.1 Detection of Sesamoline
Reagents
The reagents used shall be of recognized analytical quality.
− Concentrated hydrochloric acid (d = 1.18).
− Solution of 2% v/v freshly distilled furfural in 95% v/v ethanol.
Apparatus
Graduated 50-m1 stoppered test tube.
Procedure
Place 10 ml of the oil and 10 ml of conc. hydrochloric acid in the graduated test tube. Stopper and shake
vigorously for 30 seconds. Allow to stand. Add 0.5 ml of the solution of furfural. Stopper and shake again.
Allow to stand until decantation. If the lower layer does not turn red, the test is negative. If a red coloration
appears, add 10 ml of water and shake gently and allow the liquid to settle. If the coloration disappears, the
test is negative. If the coloration remains, the test is positive. Refined sesame oils do not always give a
positive reaction by this method.
Expression of Results
The result is expressed as positive or negative.
8.12.2 Detection of Sesamine
Reagents
The reagents used shall be of recognized analytical quality.
− Concentrated sulphuric acid (d = 1.84).
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CODEX STAN 33 Volume 8 – 2001
− Solution of freshly distilled furfural in acetic anhydride, 0.35/ml v/v.

Apparatus
− 25-ml, stoppered graduated test tube.
− Decanting beaker approximately 50-ml.
− Flat-bottomed porcelain dish approximately 60 mm in diameter.
Procedure
Place 10 ml of the oil and 5 ml of the solution of furfural in the test tube. Stopper and shake vigorously for
approximately one minute. Pour the mixture into the decanting beaker and allow to settle. Transfer a portion
of the deposit into the dish and add 6 or 7 drops of sulphuric acid. Mix by shaking the dish gently.
The test is positive if a greenish-blue colour appears. Sesame oils, even when refined, give a positive
reaction.
Expression of Results
The result is expressed as positive or negative.

8.13 Determination of the Sterol Content

According to IUPAC 2.403.
Results expressed as % of the sum of beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol.

8.14 Determination of the Fatty Acids in the 2 Position

According to the IUPAC method (1979, 6th edition) no. 2.210. "Determination of the Fatty Acids in the
2-position in the Triglycerides of Oils and Fats".
The saturated fatty acids at position 2 means the sum of palmitic (16 :0) and stearic (18 :0) acids expressed
as a percentage m/m of the total fatty acids at position 2.

8.15 Determination of Free Acidity

According to IUPAC 2.201.
Results are expressed as % m/m oleic acid and/or as the number of mg KOH required to neutralize 1 g oil.

8.16 Determination of Peroxide Value

According to IUPAC 2.501 or ISO 3960 :1998
Results expressed as milliequivalents active oxygen/kg.

8.17 Determination of Specific Extinction in Ultra-Violet (CAC/RM 26-1970)

Principle of Method
The degree of oxidation of olive oil is reflected by its specific extinction at 232 nm and 270 nm. In fact, virgin
olive oils, of good quality and correctly stored, contain very few products of oxidation; these mainly peroxidic
in nature, have a maximum absorption at approximately 232 nm. The values of E ?, at 232 and 270 nm in
such olive oils are below the maximum provided for in the standard. On the other hand, when the oil is
treated with a decolourising agent (i.e. an absorbent earth) during the refining process, conjugated trienoic
compounds are formed. These compounds have a maximum absorption situated at approximately 270 nm;
this means that refined oils have higher values of E ? at 270 nm.
NOTE: Measurement of specific extinction in ultra-violet is essentially a measurement of the state of
alteration of the oil. It is not specifically a measurement of the refining. In some particular cases, abnormally
altered virgin oils can show spectral characteristics close to those of refined oils.
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Reagents
− Spectrophotometrically pure cyclohexane: Minimum transmittance at 220 nm: 40% and minimum
transmittance at 250 nm: 95% by comparison with distilled water.
− Basic alumina of known grade
Basic alumina of Brockmann grade 1 (0% water) is obtained by heating for 3 hours at 380-400ºC basic
alumina (chromatographic quality) of particle size 30µ to 130 µ (mean 80 µ). To 100g of this product add 5 ml
of distilled water to produce basic alumina of Brockmann grade close to IV.
NOTE: Method used to check the activity index of the alumina.
Place 30 g of the basic alumina (as obtained above) in a chromatographic column, 450 mm long with a
diameter of 35mm; through this column pass, under the conditions laid down in the method, a mixture of 95%
virgin olive oil, having a specific extinction coefficient below 0.18 at 270 nm, and of 5% arachis oil previously
treated, during the refining process, with decolourising agent (absorbent earth) and having a specific
extinction coefficient equal to or above 4 at 270 nm. If this mixture shows a specific extinction coefficient
greater than 0.11, the activity of the alumina is acceptable. Should the elution of conjugated trienes not have
taken place using this alumina, an alumina at a higher hydration should be used after verifying that it agrees
with the preceding test.
Apparatus
− Ultra-violet spectrophotometer for measurements between 210 and 300 nm.
− Quartz cells of 1cm thickness.
− 50-ml and 500-ml volumetric flasks.
− Chromatographic column, 450 mm long with a diameter of 35 mm.
Adjustment of Spectrophotometer: dissolve 0.2 g of dry potassium chromate in exactly 1 litre of a 0.05 N
solution of potassium hydroxide. Place exactly 25 ml of this solution in a 500-ml flask and bring up to the
500-ml mark with the 0.05 N solution of potassium hydroxide. Determine the optical density of this latter
solution by comparison with the 0.05 N solution of potassium hydroxide as a reference solution, in a 1 cm
cell. This, at 275 nm should be 0.200 ± 0.005.
Procedure
If the oil is not completely clear at ambient temperature, filter before attempting measurements. Place
approximately 0.5 g, weighed accurately, of the oil in the 50-ml flask. Add the cyclohexane up to the mark
and shake. Fill a cell with this solution and measure the optical density using the cyclohexane as a reference
solution. Make determinations at 232 and 270 nm. Determine, in the region of 270 nm, the wavelength of the
maximum absorption ?m and determine the optical density at ? m nm, ? m-4 nm and ? m +4 nm.
Calculation and Expression of Results
Calculation of Specific Extinction at 232 and 270 nm

Aλ
Eλ =
cl
where:
E? = specific extinction at wavelength ? nm
A? = optical density at wavelength ? nm
c = concentration of the test solution in g/100 ml
l = thickness of the cell in cm
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CODEX STAN 33 Volume 8 – 2001
NOTE: If the optical density is less than 0.2, re-measure with a more concentrated solution. If it is more than
0.8, re-measure with a weaker solution.
Calculation of the variation of the specific extinction at the wavelength of maximum absorption near 270nm

(Eλm − 4 ) + (Eλm + 4 )
∆E = Eλ m −
2
Where:
? E = variation of specific extinction at ? m
E ?m = specific extinction at the wavelength of maximum adsorption near 270 nm.
E ?m-4 and E ?m+4 = specific extinctions at wavelengths plus ? m plus or minus 4 nm.
Additional procedure for determination of the specific extinction after passage through alumina
Place 30 g of basic alumina (as in the reagents section earlier) in a chromatography column approximately
450 mm long and 35 mm in diameter, furnished with a draining tube of about 10 mm diameter. Pack the
alumina mechanically by repeatedly tapping the column, held vertically, on a wooden surface. Place in the
column thus prepared 100 ml of a solution of 10 % oil in hexane. Collect the drainings and evaporate the
solvent in a vacuum at less than 25°C. Using the oil so obtained, immediately determine the specific
extinction at 270 nm, as previously described.

8.18 Determination of Alpha-Tocopherol

According to IUPAC 2.404 "Identification and determination of tocopherols", method A.
Results are expressed as mg tocopherol/kg oil.

8.19 Determination of Matter Volatile at 105°C

According to IUPAC 2.601 or ISO 662 :1998. Results are expressed as % m/m.

8.20 Determination of Insoluble Impurities

According to the IUPAC 2.604. Results are expressed as % m/m.

8.21 Soap Test (CAC/RM 27-1970)

Principle of Method
Detection of alkalinity using bromophenol blue as indicator.
Reagents
− Solution of 0.10 of bromophenol blue in 96º v/v ethanol.
− Freshly distilled acetone, 20 v/v water content.
− A few drops of the solution of bromophenol blue should give a yellow to yellow-green colour to the
acetone with 2% water.
Apparatus
150 mm x 15 mm test tube.
Procedure
Place 10 ml of the acetone and 1 drop of the bromophenol blue solution in a test tube. The solution should
have a yellow colour. If not, rinse the test tube with acetone until the blue colour disappears. Place 10 g of
the oil in the test tube, stopper with a clean stopper, shake and allow to settle. The presence of blue colour in
the upper acetonic layer indicates the presence of soap.
Codex Alimentarius - 39 - Olive Oil
Volume 8 – 2001 CODEX STAN 33
Expression of Results
The result is expressed as positive or negative.