Nutritional quality and safety of algerian margarines: Fatty acid composition, oxidative stability and physicochemical properties

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Margarine is a widely consumed product in Algeria. Few or no studies have been conducted to estimate its safety and nutritional quality. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate some algerian margarines. Particular interest is given to their oxidative stability and fatty acid composition. METHODS: Twelve margarines are selected, including tub and stick margarines, puff pastry margarines and vegetable smen. We evaluate physicochemical parameters (water content, pH, salt content, melting point and solids content with RMN), oxydative stability with Rancimat and fatty acid composition with GLC. RESULTS: The analyzed products are mostly in conformity with standards. The estimation of the oxidative stability revealed that tub margarines are the least stable. Fatty acid composition showed that practically all the analyzed products are rich in SFA. CONCLUSION: Large amounts of highly saturated oils such as palm oil, coconut and palm kernel are used. The fact that the trans fatty acids content is not very high in Algerian margarines and vegetable smen is not due to the legislation applied but to the awareness of few industries and especially to the import price exerted on different types of fat. So it is in view of profitability that industries choose raw material and not in a health concern.