Groundnut oil, also known as peanut oil, is an edible vegetable oil extracted from peanuts. It is widely used in cooking, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Below are the general specifications for groundnut oil:

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Clear, bright, and transparent liquid

Color: Light yellow to golden yellow

Odor & Taste: Mild peanut aroma and taste, free from rancidity

Texture: Smooth, free from impurities

Moisture & Volatile Matter: Max 0.1%

Refractive Index (at 40C): 1.460 - 1.470

Density (at 20C): 0.910 - 0.920 g/ml

Chemical Properties:

Free Fatty Acid (FFA) (as Oleic Acid): Max 0.2-1.0% (depending on grade)

Peroxide Value: Max 10 meq/kg

Iodine Value: 85 - 100 (indicates degree of unsaturation)

Saponification Value: 185 - 195 mg KOH/g

Unsaponifiable Matter: Max 1.0%

Acid Value: Max 2.0 mg KOH/g

Phosphorus Content: Max 10 ppm

Fatty Acid Composition (% by weight):

Saturated Fatty Acids:

Palmitic Acid (C16:0): 8-14%

Stearic Acid (C18:0): 1-4%

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA):

Oleic Acid (C18:1): 35-72%

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA):

Linoleic Acid (C18:2): 13-45%

Contaminants & Adulterants:

Pesticide Residues: As per country-specific regulations (FSSAI, EU, FDA)

Heavy Metals:

Lead (Pb): <0.1 ppm

Cadmium (Cd): <0.05 ppm

Arsenic (As): <0.1 ppm

Mercury (Hg): <0.02 ppm

Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2): Max 10 ppb

Trans Fatty Acids: Must be absent

Artificial Additives & Preservatives: Must be absent

Microbiological Standards (For Food & Pharmaceutical Use):

Total Plate Count: Max 1,000 CFU/g

Yeast & Mold: Max 100 CFU/g

Coliforms: Absent

E. Coli: Absent

Salmonella: Absent

Applications of Groundnut Oil:

Food Industry: Used for frying, cooking, salad dressings, and margarine production

Pharmaceuticals & Ayurveda: Used as a carrier oil in medicinal formulations

Cosmetics & Personal Care: Used in skincare, haircare, and massage oils

Industrial Use: Used in lubricants, biofuels, and soap manufacturing