Solid phase extraction (SPE) is considered as a convenient
approach for sample preparation in food analysis.
However, in the official EU methods on the characteristics
of olive oil, SPE is only marginally employed (EEC Regulation,
2568/91 and later Amendments) (EEC, 1991). Thus,
silica cartridges are simply used for the clean up of olive
oils prior to the analysis of methylesters by GC and triacylglycerols
by RP-HPLC when the removal of free fatty acids
is necessary (e.g. in crude and lampante olive oils). In the
literature SPE applications can be found in both the
analysis of olive oil constituents included in the above
regulations and also in the analysis of minor components
for which there is no provision in the current legislation (polar
phenols, pigments – carotenoids and chlorophylls, hydrocarbons,
fatty acid esters, tocopherols, diglycerols, etc.)e oil