Assessment of Physicochemical and Sanitary Quality of Crude Palm oil Sold in Major Markets of Abidjan

Côte d'Ivoire has launched a quality control program for artisanal crude palm oil to ensure health safety in local markets. The study evaluated the physicochemical, microbiological, and adulteration status of artisanal crude palm oil (CPO) in four major markets in Abidjan: Yopougon, Bingerville, Abobo and Adjame. The results showed significant differences between samples, with Yopougon showing the highest moisture content (2.24%). Melting points were below the recommended range and indicate poor solid fat content. The same goes for DOBI values which indicate oil bleachability and oxidative stability. The refractive index remained within acceptable limits. However, chemically, free fatty acid levels exceeded Codex's 5% recommendation with Yopougon showing the highest of 12.71%. Iodine values generally met standards, while saponification values were acceptable except for Yopougon. Oxidative stability parameters showed no significant differences between markets, indicating moderate degradation. Fatty acid profiling showed variations among samples. For microbiological analysis, results revealed high contamination with aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeasts, molds, and total coliforms exceeding acceptable limits. Fraud detection tests identified adulteration with Sudan dye in 20% of samples from Abobo and Adjame. The study highlights the need for improved hygiene, monitoring and regulation in the artisanal palm oil sector.