In this video we are supporting a client enquiry on the feasibility to make electrochemical measurements on Palm Oil — Palm oil, a critical staple food commodity, is increasingly subjected to adulteration with Sudan Red dyes, synthetic compounds recognized for their vibrant red hue but notorious for their toxicity and associated health risks. The detection of such adulteration traditionally relies on High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), a sophisticated and costly analytical method that necessitates advanced laboratory infrastructure. This renders HPLC impractical for deployment in local markets, particularly within regions such as Africa, where adulteration is prevalent, and the economic value of palm oil is relatively low. To mitigate these challenges, the implementation of portable and cost-efficient technologies is imperative. Electrochemical methodologies, exemplified by the ZP sense potentiostat platform equipped with specialized electrodes, present a viable alternative. These methods facilitate rapid and economical testing, enabling their application in field settings or at border controls, thereby reducing dependency on expensive laboratory equipment. In a recent demonstration, palm oil samples were diluted and subjected to electrochemical analysis using the ZP system. The process was both efficient and straightforward, requiring minimal sample volumes and delivering distinct, reliable signals within seconds. Such technological advancements hold the potential to transform food safety testing, fostering greater accessibility and enhancing regulatory compliance in global markets.
