<P> Detection of peroxide gives the initial evidence of rancidity in unsaturated fats and oils . Other methods are available, but peroxide value is the most widely used . It gives a measure of the extent to which an oil sample has undergone primary oxidation, extent of secondary oxidation may be determined from p - anisidine test . </P> <P> The double bonds found in fats and oils play a role in autoxidation . Oils with a high degree of unsaturation are most susceptible to autoxidation . The best test for autoxidation (oxidative rancidity) is determination of the peroxide value . Peroxides are intermediates in the autoxidation reaction . </P>

Determination of peroxide value of a lipid sample