INFORM February 2026

AOCS Updates INFORM 9

FROM THE FRYER TO THE WIRE: TECHNICAL SERVICE NEWS YOU CAN USE

The American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) continues to advance analytical excellence in the fats and oils industry with innovative resources designed to support laboratories worldwide. In fall 2025, the AOCS Technical Services team launched two important additions to the Laboratory Proficiency Program (LPP): Avocado Oil Series and Lecithin Series. These new offerings reflect direct requests from member laboratories and industry partners seeking reliable benchmarking tools, high-quality samples, and standardized test method verification. As interest in specialty oils and functional ingredients continues to rise, these programs help laboratories stay aligned with evolving quality demands. Both new series follow the established LPP model: multiple samples distributed quarterly, standardized method references, and structured reporting windows. Through participation, laboratories gain critical insight into their own performance, while contributing to a global database that helps strengthen confidence in analytical results across the industry.

AVOCADO OIL SERIES: MEETING THE MOMENTUM OF A GROWING MARKET Avocado oil has emerged as a premium edible oil, with applications ranging from culinary use to cosmetics. With rapid market expansion comes increased scrutiny around authenticity, purity, and quality. The new AOCS Avocado Oil Series directly addresses these needs. Each quarterly distribution includes a single avocado oil sample, with a total of three routine samples for this first year. Participating laboratories

analyze the samples using standardized AOCS Official Methods that target quality, oxidative stability, and adulteration markers. Key determinants include: • Delta K (UV Extinction)— Ch 5-91 • K270 & K232—Ch 5-91 • Free Fatty Acids—Ca 5a-40 • Peroxide Value—Cd 8b-90 • Lovibond Color—Cc 13e-92 or Cc 13j-97 • Cold Test—Cc 11-53 • Fatty Acid Composition— Ch 2-91 or Ce 1a-13 • Sterols—Ch 6-91