Development of method for detection and quantification of foreign oils and fats in ghee (heat clarified milk fat) using FT NIR spectroscopy couple with chemometric

Abstract

Ghee is soft target for adulteration with oils/fats. Its detection by classical methods is very difficult. Therefore, study was carried out to develop FT NIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometric for detection of such adulteration. In total 20 commonly available oils and fats were selected. In development of the method, authentic samples of ghee and adulterated samples of ghee were prepared, FT NIR spectra of the samples were acquired and processed, chemometric tools were selected, prediction model was constructed and validated. The developed method predicted presence foreign oil or fat in ghee at 2.0% rate. However, identification all 20 foreign oils and fats and their quantification could be achieved when mixed at of 20% or more. The success below 20% varied depending on foreign oils/fats, rate of mixing and/or type of ghee. The method can serve as efficient and convenient analytical tool for detection and quantification of foreign oils/fats in ghee.