STANDARD FCR OLIVE OIL
The Chairman said that at its 7th Session the Committee agreed to consider an alternative
method for the determination of tocopherols and methods for the determination of fatty acids
in position 2 in the triglycerides and of sterols, for inclusion in the standard for Olive
Oils. 'Replies in response to document CX/FO 75/6 were set out in document CX/FO 75/6, Add.1.
Alternative Method of Analysis for the Determination of Toco herols
The Chairman reported that a collaborative study by IUPAC had not given successful
results and IUPAC were currently reviewing the problem.
Methods of Analysis for the Determination of Fatty Acids at Position 2 in the Triglycerides
ilUPAC II D27) and of Sterols (IUPAC II Cm .
Numerous comments had been received on the definitive texts provided by IUPAC. The
Chairman suggested they should be collated by the Secretariat and sent to IUPAC for
consideration. The representative of IO0C agreed provided this could be done quickly. The
representative of IUPAC agreed to expedite this. The Committee agreed to the Chairman's
proposal.
PROPOSED DRAFT STANDARD FOR LOW ERUCIC ACID RAPESEED OIL (CX/FO 75/8)
Consideration of Draft Standard at Step 4
The Committee considered the need for a new standard, bearing in mind that the proposed
new standard differed mainly from the existing standard in respect of its low erucic acid
content. Reference was also made to the possible health risk factors that formed an important
background to the proposal to develop a standard. In spite of the lank of positive proof of
a human health risk many member countries had already taken steps to encourage production of
rapeseed oil with a low erucio acid content, some with more success than others.
Canada gave a detailed explanation of how they had achieved a considerable drop in
erucio acid content over a relatively short period of time. In spite of the apparent trend
towards low erucic acid rapeseed oil for food use, as the USA pointed out, there was still
a demand for the high erucio acid content oil for non—food purposes. Taking everything into
account including the proposed assessment in 1976 of health risks by an FAO/WHO expert group,
there was a consensus of opinion in the Committee in favour of the development of a standard,
with a number of members having reservations because they thought it premature to do so.
Fatty Aoid-Composition
Having decided that a standard be developed, the Committee considered the question of
the percentage of erucic acid it should contain. It proved difficult to agree a definite
value because of the varying views on what constituted a realistic level bearing in mind
the differing rates at which countries were changing over to low erucic acid rapeseed crops.
The position was further complicated by contamination from 2revious crops. It was eventually
agreed that the percentage would be shown in the draft as L15117 and further comments asked
for when oirôulated to member countries and interested organizations. The Committee noted
that the tentative 15% level could mean adjustments to the ranges for the two types of oil
shown in Conference Room Document No. 2 and other criteria, e.g. Crismer Value. It was
agreed that no immediate action could be taken pending a decision on the tentative level.