OleoTest® | Professional Frying Oil Control
Frying is one of the most appreciated cooking techniques in Portugal, valued for its speed and the distinctive flavor it gives to food. However, during repeated heating cycles, frying oils undergo significant chemical changes.
Exposure to high temperatures leads to the degradation of unsaturated fatty acids, resulting in the formation of substances known as total polar compounds (TPCs). The formation of these compounds depends on several factors, including:
✔ Excessive temperature
✔ Prolonged use
✔ Presence of water released from food
✔ Improper equipment operation
Polar compounds progressively accumulate in frying oil and are associated with health risks, including cardiovascular impacts and other long-term adverse effects.
It is important to emphasize that oil degradation is not always visible. Even when oil appears to be in good condition, it may have already exceeded the legally permitted limit.
Legal Framework
International food safety regulations define maximum permissible levels of total polar compounds (TPCs) in frying oils, generally set between 24% and 25%. Oils exceeding these thresholds must not be used for food preparation.
Consistent oil quality monitoring is therefore a regulatory obligation and a critical control measure to ensure:
✔ Food safety standards
✔ Public health protection
✔ Compliance with applicable regulations
✔ Consumer trust and brand reputation
The Solution: OleoTest®
OleoTest® is a reliable, fast, and cost-effective method for controlling the quality of frying oils.
In just a few minutes, and through an extremely simple procedure, it enables accurate assessment of the presence and concentration of total polar compounds — substances potentially harmful to human health.
Key Advantages:
✔ Results in approximately 2 minutes
✔ Simple and intuitive method
✔ Objective oil quality assessment
✔ Reduction of legal and compliance risks
✔ Protection of public health
✔ Optimized oil replacement management
The reliability of OleoTest® is continuously validated through independent laboratory testing.
The tests are also regularly used by official inspection and enforcement authorities. A key advantage is that the test results remain stable after use, allowing them to serve as reliable supporting evidence in regulatory inspections and legal proceedings.
Integration into Food Safety Management Systems
OleoTest® is an essential support tool for HACCP-based and Food Safety Management Systems, as required under Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 and equivalent international food hygiene legislation.
Its use contributes to:
✔ Regulatory compliance
✔ Demonstration of preventive control measures
✔ Strengthening food safety culture
✔ Protection of company reputation
