A fatty acid profile provides a detailed breakdown of saturated, mono-unsaturated, poly-unsaturated, and trans fatty acids in food. This analysis is essential for EU nutritional labeling under Regulation 1169/2011 and for compliance with trans fat limits set by EU Regulation 2019/649. Ovalab offers comprehensive fatty acid profiling using gas chromatography.
Key Facts About Fatty Acid Profile
- Trans fat limit: EU Regulation 2019/649 sets a maximum of 2 g of industrial trans fatty acids per 100 g of fat in foods for the final consumer (since April 2021).
- ISO standards: ISO 12966-2:2017 — methylation procedures for FAMEs preparation; ISO 12966-4:2015 — capillary GC determination of FAMEs in fats and oils.
- Labeling: EU Regulation 1169/2011 mandates declaration of total fat and saturated fatty acids. MUFA and PUFA may be declared voluntarily.
- Reference intake: EU daily reference intake: total fat 70 g, saturates 20 g (Annex XIII, Part B).
- Method: Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) separates individual fatty acids by chain length and unsaturation degree.
Testing Methods at Ovalab
Ovalab performs fatty acid profiling using GC-FID following ISO 12966-2:2017 and ISO 12966-4:2015. Samples undergo lipid extraction and methylation to form FAMEs, which are separated and quantified. The laboratory operates under ISO/IEC 17025:2018 accreditation (ČIA, Certificate 537/2025), ensuring reliable results for nutritional labeling and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a fatty acid profile include?
A fatty acid profile quantifies saturated (SFA), mono-unsaturated (MUFA), poly-unsaturated (PUFA), and trans fatty acids (TFA), as well as individual fatty acids such as palmitic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid.
What is the EU limit for industrial trans fats?
EU Regulation 2019/649 limits industrial trans fatty acids to a maximum of 2 g per 100 g of fat in food intended for the final consumer, in effect since April 2, 2021.
Why is fatty acid profiling important for food labeling?
EU Regulation 1169/2011 requires mandatory declaration of total fat and saturated fatty acids. A complete fatty acid profile provides data for accurate label declarations and voluntary claims about unsaturated fats.
Which method does Ovalab use?
Ovalab uses gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) following ISO 12966-2:2017 and ISO 12966-4:2015 for transesterification and chromatographic determination of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs).
Can fatty acid profiling detect oil adulteration?
Yes. Each oil has a characteristic fatty acid composition. Deviations can indicate adulteration — fatty acid profiling is commonly used for authenticity testing of olive oil and other premium oils.