Residual solvent testing for edible oils and plant extracts
Residual solvent testing helps confirm whether volatile organic solvents remain in a product after extraction, processing, purification, or manufacturing.
This testing is commonly used for products where solvents may be used during production, including edible oils, botanical extracts, plant-based ingredients, food additives, nutraceutical ingredients, and related manufactured products.
AsureQuality offers residual solvent testing using Headspace Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, commonly referred to as HS-GC-MS. This method provides broad screening and identification of residual solvents in complex oil and extract matrices.
What are residual solvents?
Residual solvents are volatile organic compounds that may remain in a product after manufacturing or processing.
They may be introduced through:
- Solvent extraction
- Refining or purification steps
- Processing aids
- Ingredient manufacturing
- Cleaning or carryover from production environments
- Supplier or raw material variability
Testing can help support product release, supplier verification, specification checks, export requirements, customer assurance, and investigation work where solvent residues are a potential concern.
What matrices can be tested?
The method is designed for residual solvent testing in:
- Edible oils
- Plant extracts
- Botanical extracts
- Oil-based ingredients
- Plant-derived food or nutraceutical ingredients
The method has been validated and accredited for edible oils.
For other plant extract or oil-based matrices, our team can help confirm whether the method is suitable for your product and intended purpose.
Method principle
The method uses Headspace Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.
In simple terms, the sample is prepared in a sealed vial and heated under controlled conditions. Volatile compounds present in the sample move into the headspace above the sample. A portion of this headspace vapour is then introduced into the gas chromatograph.
The gas chromatograph separates the volatile compounds, and the mass spectrometer identifies and measures them based on their chemical profile.
This approach is well suited to residual solvent testing because it focuses on the volatile components of the sample while reducing the impact of complex oil or extract matrices.
What solvents can be included?
The method can cover a broad range of residual solvents, including commonly referenced solvents from pharmacopoeial and product specification requirements.
Components that may be included are:
- Acetone
- Acetonitrile
- Benzene
- Butanone
- Butyl acetate
- Chloroform
- Chlorobenzene
- Cyclohexane
- Dichloromethane
- Diethyl ether
- Dimethoxyethane
- Dimethyl sulfoxide
- Ethanol
- Ethyl acetate
- Ethylbenzene
- Heptane
- Hexane
- Isoamyl alcohol
- Isobutyl acetate
- Isobutyl alcohol
- Isopropyl acetate
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Methanol
- Methoxybenzene
- Methyl acetate
- Methyl ethyl ketone
- Methyl isobutyl ketone
- Methyl tert-butyl ether
- Methylcyclohexane
- Methylcyclopentane
- Nitromethane
- n-Butanol
- n-Propanol
- o-Xylene
- m+p-Xylene
- Pentane
- Propyl acetate
- tert-Butanol
- Tetrahydrofuran
- Tetralin
- Toluene
- Trichloroethene
- 1,1-Dichloroethene
- 1,2-Dichloroethane
- 1,4-Dioxane
- 1-Pentanol
- 2-Butanol
- 2-Hexanone
- 2-Methylpentane
- 2,3-Dimethylpentane
- 3-Methylpentane
- Methylcyclopentane
- Methoxycyclopentane
A residual solvent summary result can also be provided where applicable.
When should you consider residual solvent testing?
Residual solvent testing may be useful when:
- Solvents are used during extraction or processing
- You are checking compliance with a customer or market specification
- You need to verify supplier material
- You are releasing a batch for sale or export
- You are investigating an odour, taint, contamination concern, or unexpected result
- You are manufacturing edible oils, plant extracts, botanical ingredients, or related products
Before submitting samples
Before submitting samples, please check the residual solvent requirements in your product specification, customer agreement, market access requirement, or regulatory reference.
If you are unsure which residual solvents need to be included, or whether the method is suitable for your product type, please contact our team before submitting samples.
For any technical question related specifically to this note please contact WellingtonReporting@asurequality.com.
Have a question, comment, or feedback?
If you have any concerns regarding general testing services, please submit a request to contact or customer experience team or call +64 9 626 8203