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b-TAF: Botanicals Trusted and Authenticated Fingerprinting
The b-TAF project, funded by POL-ABIOSA, is a pioneering initiative dedicated to combating oil adulteration in the indigenous oil industry.
By focusing on marula and baobab oils, b-TAF aims to provide transparency and assurance, supporting authentic producers and maintaining trust in the industry.
Composition and Quality Testing
Our comprehensive research focuses on both macro-components (triglycerides) and micro-components (sterols, tocopherols, and other antioxidants) to determine the quality and composition of oils. We use advanced analytical techniques to provide accurate and reliable results.
Authenticity Testing Prototype
Our methodology for oil authentication involves detailed statistical analysis and the establishment of critical cut-off points for various compositional characters. These tests help us identify adulteration with high accuracy, ensuring that only authentic oils reach the market.
Main Activities and Timeline
Current Status
As of November 2024, we have successfully collected and tested numerous samples of marula and baobab oils. Our efforts continue to expand our database and improve the accuracy of our testing methods. We have engaged with various stakeholders to ensure the success of our project.
Statistical analyses has been done and the results were applied to build the authenticity model.
The b-TAF project aims to provide transparency and assurance in the botanical oils industry by detecting adulteration through advanced testing methods. This involves improving the accuracy of adulteration detection by incorporating multiple test types. Here’s how the project enhances accuracy:
Analysing the fatty acid profile of the oils alone provides a 60-70% accuracy rate in predicting adulteration. Fatty acid profiles are essential as they reflect the fundamental composition of the oil, making it possible to identify deviations from expected standards.
By adding the analysis of sterol composition to the testing protocol, the accuracy of detecting adulteration increases. Sterols are minor components of oils, but their specific composition and concentration can provide additional markers for authenticity.
Further enhancement in accuracy is achieved by including tocopherol content analysis. Tocopherols, which are types of vitamin E compounds, vary significantly between different oils. Analysing both the composition and concentration of tocopherols adds another layer of verification, further increasing the reliability of the test results.
The b-TAF project sets a research target of achieving 80-90% accuracy in detecting adulteration. By integrating these three key analytical components—fatty acid profiles, sterol composition, and tocopherol content—the project aims to significantly improve the detection capabilities compared to using a single type of test.
The combination of these advanced testing methods not only provides a more comprehensive understanding of the oil’s composition but also enhances the ability to detect adulteration with higher accuracy. This multi-faceted approach ensures greater transparency and assurance for producers and consumers in the botanical oils industry.
Photography on this website is credited to GIZ/BIA/ABioSA – Jonathon Rees
