Physico-Chemical Quality Assessment of Crude Palm Oil from Industrial Mills in Southeastern Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

This study assessed the physico-chemical properties of CPO produced by five industrial mills located in southeastern Côte d’Ivoire, with the objective of evaluating their compliance with international quality standards. Samples were analyzed for moisture content, insoluble impurities, free fatty acids (FFA), iodine value (IV), saponification index, deterioration of bleachability index (DOBI), and carotenoid concentration. Significant variations (p < 0.05) were observed among the mills for most chemical parameters. Moisture levels (0.22-0.28%) and insoluble impurities (0.00-0.38%) exceeded Codex Alimentarius limits in two mills, indicating insufficient clarification. FFA values ranged from 2.87% to 6.04%; only Agrivar exceeded the permissible limit (< 5%). Iodine value (53.89-56.11 g I2/100 g) and saponification index (191.87-202.29 mg KOH/g) remained within international standards for all palm oil mills. DOBI values (2.32-2.84) indicated better bleachability for three mills, and carotenoid levels (857.33-1109.30 mg/kg) exceeded PORAM recommendations, highlighting the nutritional richness of the oils. Overall, the results show that mills with optimized processing and rapid fruit sterilization produce higher-quality CPO. Strengthening processing practices would enhance oil quality and reinforce the competitiveness of Côte d’Ivoire’s palm oil sector.