Trace metals and the flavor stability of margarine

Abstract

Abstract Traces of copper, iron and other metals are present in the oil and the salt used for margarine. The presence of these metals, which act as powerful catalysts for fat oxidation, decreased the flavor stability. Analyses were done by atomic absorption spectroscopy after ashing of 400 g oil and margarine samples. Storage tests are reported with laboratory samples to which different amounts of trace metals had been added, and also with plant production samples. Levels of 0.1 ppm copper led to rapid flavor deterioration. In order to expect good flavor stability, the maximum copper amounts which can be tolerated are about 0.02 ppm. Aside from the importance of having all equipment free of copper, the use of salt low in trace metals or the additions of metal chelating agents are ways to extend the shelf life. The addition of 75–100 ppm EDTA salts as sequestering agents was found to increase the flavor stability of margarine samples significantly.