Detection of possible adulteration in commercial ghee samples using low‐resolution gas chromatography triglyceride profiles

Abstract

Fifteen commercial and 22 control samples of ghee were analysed for triglyceride compositions by low‐resolution short capillary column gas chromatography. Control samples of mixed milk and buffalo milks exhibited maxima at C38 and C50. The detection level was found to be 2% in case of beef tallow and coconut oil addition. Vegetable fat and lard addition could be detected at 5% and 6.3%, respectively. A sample survey based on triglyceride profile and standardised ( S ) values calculation revealed up to 43% branded ghee samples and 87.5% samples of unbranded ghee did not conform to triglyceride profiles of control ghee.