Palm Oil

This article is compiled based on the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) – 2025 Edition

Issued and maintained by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP)

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1 DEFINITION

Palm Oil is the refined fixed oil obtained from the pulp of the fruit of the oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (Fam. Arecaceae). It may contain suitable antioxidants.

2 IDENTIFICATION

A. Identity by Fatty Acid Composition

Analysis: Proceed as directed in the test for Fats and Fixed Oils 〈401〉, Procedures, Fatty Acid Composition.

Acceptance criteria: Meets the composition profile of fatty acids in Table 1

B. It meets the requirements of the test for Melting Range or Temperature 〈741〉.

Add the following:

C. Identity by Triglyceride Profile

Analysis: Proceed as directed in Identification of Fixed Oils by Thin-Layer Chromatography 〈202〉, Identification, Method I or Method II.

Acceptance criteria: Meets the requirements in the chapter▲ (2S (NF36))

3 IMPURITIES

Residue on Ignition 〈281〉

Sample: 5 g of Palm Oil

Acceptance criteria: NMT 0.1%

Delete the following:

Heavy Metals, Method II〈231〉: NMT 10 μg/g (Oficial 1-Jan-2018)

Alkaline Impurities

Sample: 10 mL of Palm Oil

Analysis: Mix 10 mL of acetone and 0.3 mL of water, and add 0.05 mL of bromophenol blue TS. If necessary, neutralize the solution to a green color with 0.01 N hydrochloric acid or 0.01 N sodium hydroxide. Add the Sample, shake, and allow to stand. Titrate with 0.01 N hydrochloric acid VS until the color of the upper layer changes to yellow.

Acceptance criteria: NMT 0.1 mL of 0.01 N hydrochloric acid is required.

4 SPECIFIC TESTS

Melting Range or Temperature 〈741〉: 30°–40°

Fats and Fixed Oils 〈401〉, Procedures, Acid Value, Method II: NMT 2.0

Fats and Fixed Oils 〈401〉, Procedures, Fatty Acid Composition: Palm Oil exhibits the composition profile of fatty acids as shown in Table 1.

Table 1

Fats and Fixed Oils 〈401〉, Procedures, Peroxide Value: NMT 5.0

Fats and Fixed Oils 〈401〉, Procedures, Unsaponifiable Matter: NMT 1.0%

Water Determination 〈921〉, Method I, Method Ic: NMT 0.1%

5 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Packaging and Storage: Preserve in well-closed containers. Do not store above 55°.

Labeling: Label it to indicate the name and quantity of any added antioxidants.