Analysis of lipid oxidation products in foods is difficult
because of their complex nature, instability, large quantities
of interfering substances in foods, and the sophistication
and sometimes a lack of specific and adequate analytical methods
The presence of natural antioxidants in food systems,
being commonly the mixture of compounds of varying
mechanism of action, complicates the evaluation of the
oxidative status of food lipids. Methods to determine the
extent of oxidation can be ranked on the basis of their usefulness
in predicting the stability, shelf-life and consumer
acceptability. Still sensory analysis is given the closest
approximation compared to consumers’ approach. Chromatographical
methods based on the analysis of specific compounds,
including volatiles, chemical indices of oxidation,
extent of oxygen absorption are useful in assessing the
extent of oxidation, however a search for novel methods
based on chemometry and electronical sensing develops
rapidly and hopefully will lead to advancement in the
knowledge of lipid peroxidation and its influence on food
quality.