Use of the 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test for evaluation of the autoxidative process in foods.

In this overview several aspects concerning the application of 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test for measuring oxidative rancidity in foods are described and discussed. Different factors like food processing, sample induced oxidation and preparation, applied methodologies and interferences, are considered. The application of the TBA test to some foods like meats, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products, cereals, infant-foods, animal fats and vegetable oils are described. Correlation between TBA index or TBA number and other oxidation indices (i.e. peroxide value) as well as sensory evaluation are also considered.