Iodine value is conventionally determined using manual titration; but the method takes a longer time and is costly
In one of its initiatives to encourage the manufacturing industry in India, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO) has developed and transferred the technology of Precision Iodine Value Analyzer (PIVA), an instrument for the measurement of the degree of unsaturation (iodine value) in vegetable oils.
This indigenous food testing equipment was recognized by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on World Food Safety Day June 7, 2021.
Iodine value is conventionally determined using manual titration and a few analytical instruments based on automated titration. However, these methods take a longer time to analyse, are costly and use toxic chemicals.
Researchers at CSIR-CSIO developed a rapid analysis technique that takes just three minutes to carry out the same analysis. The cost of analysis per sample saw a drastic reduction too, the CSIR-CSIO statement said.
The technology had been transferred to Comfax Systems, a Chandigarh-based start-up. The technology has applications in oil extraction units, quality control and assurance labs, food regulatory authorities, soaps and cosmetics, bakeries, meat industry, paint industry, biodiesel analysis, and charcoal industry.
The technology is also useful in determining adulteration in edible oils and fats.
Currently, PIVA has been calibrated and tested for coconut, sunflower, mustard, palm, rice bran, soyabean, groundnut, olive oil and ghee. This new development is a part of the ongoing effort to strengthen the food testing capabilities by introducing quick and advanced food testing kits.
This is the newest addition to the approved kits / equipment approved by FSSAI for rapid food testing.
The World Food Safety Day is celebrated worldwide to draw attention that food is not only an agricultural or trade commodity but also a public health issue and hence, food safety has to be seen as an essential public health function, the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Harshvardhan said at an event organised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
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