A laboratory study of the bleaching process in stigmasta‐3,5‐diene concentration in olive oils

The bleaching effect was simulated in pilot plant by measuring the influence of temperature (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90°C), time (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min), and concentration of solid adsorbent [1.5 and 8% (w/w) of Tonsil supreme NFF] on stigmasta‐3,5‐diene (STIG) obtained by dehydration of steroidal compounds. Conditions were chosen to simulate those used in industrial operations. The presence of refined oils in extra virgin olive oil can be detected by these newly formed steroid hydrocarbons. Experimental results indicated that STIG did not exceed an imposed limit of 0.15 mg/kg in extra virgin olive oil, when oils were bleached with 1.5% earth at temperatures ≤80°C for 30 min in admixed to oils sold as virgin. A large proportion of the adulterations were not detectable by the official methods. Color determinations (CIE‐1931) chromatic coordinates) were replicated on a refined oil and in admixed extra virgin olive oil. Color of olive oil was not significantly affected by mixing with refined oil (≤20%).