The objectives were to evaluate the properties of refined (ROO) and extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) in their natural state (fresh) and after heating, while comparing them with each other and with refined soybean (SBO) and refined sunflower seed oil (SFO). The methodology was designed to simulate, in controlled laboratory conditions, the home-frying process, while evaluating fatty acid profile (fatty acid methyl esters were separated by gas chromatography), concentration of phenolic compounds (Gallic acid dosage), antioxidant activity (DPPH), and production of polar compounds (thin layer chromatography) before and after heating to 200 °C for six minutes. It was observed that, before and after heating, SBO and SFO are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) and ROO and EVOO are rich in monounsaturated FA. Fresh or heated, ROO and EVOO do not have trans FA, which are present in SBO and SFO, and increase in SBO after heating (+ 32.8%). The concentrations of phenolic compounds are always higher in olive oils, despite the decrease that occurs after heating (-7.5% in the ROO and -24.6% in EVOO). Antioxidant activity is greater when olive oils are fresh and remains present in EVOO after heating. The concentration of polar compounds was similar for all oils after heating. In conclusion, ROO and EVOO are the richest in monounsaturated FA even after heating, with no production of saturated or trans FA. Despite losing some antioxidant activity, heated EVOO remains richer in monounsaturated FA than ROO, SBO and SFO in the fresh version. All oils suffer similar rates of degradation.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of gamma irradiation at doses of 0, 1, 2 and 3 kGy, and storage time of olive fruits for 0, 30 and 45 days on changes in chemical properties of olive oil during storage periods of 0, 6 and 12 months. The initial acidity value (AV), peroxide value (PV), Thiobarbituric Acid (TBA), phenolic content, iodine value (IV) and saponification value (SV) of virgin olive oil obtained from olives fruits immediately after harvest (at day zero) were 1.04%, 3.06 mEqO2 kg−1 oil, 0.025 mg MDA kg−1 oil, 314.71 mg gallic acid kg−1 oil, 93.38 gI2 100 g−1 oil and 194.88 mg KOH g−1 oil, respectively. In general, the AV and PV of olive oil was increased by gamma irradiation, while the phenolic and IV of olive oil was deceased by gamma irradiation and storage time. The TBA value and SV of olive oil was not significantly (p>0.05) changed by gamma irradiation.

Four common phthalic acid esters (PAEs) levels in tea fusions samples prepared from three types of tea bags (green, black and white) of ten commercial brands were extracted from the infusions by a dispersive liquid-liquid micro extraction method and determined by GC-MS. PAEs were not found in white tea samples. Residue levels of total phthalic acid esters (TPAEs) in black and green teas showed no significant difference (median=367.5, Interquartile range=244.7-667.5 and median=381, Interquartile range=188.7-688.2µg/kg respectively). DEHP levels in green teas were significantly higher than those in black teas (Median= 93.5 and 204 respectively). Total phthalate esters (TPAEs) levels in flavored teas were about two-fold higher than in non-flavored teas. The four commercial brands tested contain significant levels of DEHP when compared to other brands. Essential oils and essences that were added to tea for improvement of color and taste could be the main sources of PAEs contamination.

If oral absorption of phthalates were assumed to be 100%, the maximum daily exposure levels to TPAEs via tea consumption (due to consumption of 5 cups of tea prepared from the tea containing the highest levels TPAEs) were estimated to be 230e−4 µg/kg bw/Day, which are far lower than the regulation levels set by the expert panels on regularly toxicity. 

Energy being one of the largest operating expenses in most organizations especially manufacturing and processing industries leading to considerable scope for energy conservation and hence cost. Information on energy utilization and conservation pattern were obtained based on time taken, number of person involved and sources of energy using standard energy equations. A total of 445.40 ± 17.32MJkg−1 where thermal energy (420MJ ≈ 94%) and manual energy (25.40MJ ≈ 6%) were the only forms of energy used during production process. Conservation approach I resulted in mean energy of 72.08 ± 1.73MJkg−1 where electrical energy, manual energy and thermal energy accounted for 1.75MJ (3%) 7.34MJ (10%) and 62.99MJ (87%) respectively. Conservation approach II reduced the energy further to 57.24 ± 1.73MJkg−1 as the operation was thermal energy dependent, followed by manual and electrical energy with energy values of 48.13, 7.33 and 1.78MJ equivalent to 84.10%, 12.80% and 3.10% accordingly. Conclusively, traditional method of processing utilized highest energy (445.40MJ) followed by conservation approach I (72.08MJ) and conservation approach II (57.24MJ) was least in energy demand. Conservation approach II permits energy conservation to be 87% as compared with traditional method.