The edible oil needs of African countries are met by imported or locally produced
ones. Therefore, consumers are generally confronted with a choice of edible oils of
poorly controlled quality. However, quality control of edible oils for local consumption
is of high necessity. This study aimed to assess the quality of edible oils sold and con-
sumed in some cities in Burkina Faso. Oil samples collected in the cities of Dédougou,
Koudougou, and Nouna were used for several analyses. Oil samples from palm, re-
fined and unrefined cottonseed, and groundnut were collected. Standard methods
were used to assess the physicochemical quality parameters of the oils, including the
peroxide value, water and volatile matter content, acid value, traces of soap, and min-
eral oil contents. The parameters varied significantly depending on the oil type, but
not by the locality of origin. The peroxide indices had varied from 3.24 to 39.99 mEq
O2/kg oil. The acid indices varied from 0.22 mg KOH/g to 1.24 mg KOH/g. The water
and volatile matter contents ranged from 0.04% to 0.88%. The test for traces of soap
gave values ranging from 0 to 76 ppm. For the mineral oil test, four samples of cot-
tonseed oil collected in Dedougou gave positive results. Compared to international
reference standards, in particular the Codex Alimentarius standard, it may constitute
a health risk for consumers. The poor storage, distribution, and marketing conditions
of the oils could explain their poor quality. In order to provide consumers with quality
oils, regular controls must be undertaken in the places where the oils are stored and/
or marketed

edible oils physicochemical refined oils