Sensory stability of canola oil: Present status of shelf life studies

Sensory studies on autoxidation of canola oil, stored under several variations of Schaal Oven test conditions, suggest an induction period of 2–4 d at 60–65°C. Similar induction periods have been observed between canola and sunflower oils, whereas a longer induction period has been found for soybean oil. Canola oil seems to be more stable to storage in light than cottonseed and soybean oils but is less stable than sunflower oil. Storage stability of products fried in canola oil is similar to products fried in soybean oil. Storage stability of canola and cottonseed oils that had been used in the frying of potato chips showed that canola oil was more prone to autoxidation during storage at 40°C. The presence of light aggravated the oxidative effects and was similar for both oils. Advances in our knowledge about the shelf life of canola oil would be strengthened by standardization of Schaal Oven testing conditions and by specifying the testing protocol for photooxidation studies. Methods for training of panelists and for handling and evaluating oils and fried foods require definition. Rating scales used in the evaluation of oils need to be evaluated to ensure that reliable and valid measurements are achieved. Further progress is needed in the identification of chemical indicators that can be used to predict sensory quality of oils. Presented in part at AOCS Annual Meeting in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, May 1992.