Modified Method for the Analysis of Free Fatty Acids in Fish

The objective of this study was the development of a method for the quantification of free fatty acids (FFA) using less aggressive reactants against the handler and the environment than those used in the classic method of Lowry and Tinsley. The modified procedure is a variation of the Lowry and Tinsley method employing cyclohexane in place of benzene. The use of benzene is prohibited in certain work processes and laboratories, and the competent authority in each country is actively promoting research into harmless or less harmful products that could replace benzene. A comparison with the traditional AOCS titration method for oil analysis was performed. FFA content in mackerel frozen at −10 °C was measured according to the three methods over a 12 month period. The results showed similar values, and good correlations were obtained. Keywords: Benzene; cyclohexane; free fatty acid; FFA; analytical technique; carcinogenic; Lowry method; fat fish