Quality evaluation of virgin coconut oil processing in Pacific island countries using analytic hierarchy process
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Jimaima Lako
Abstract
Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is an integral edible oil whose quality is heavily influenced by production methods. This study assessed the quality and safety of 12 VCO samples from various processors using a novel methodology. Samples underwent comprehensive sensory, chemical, microbial, and contaminant analyses at three separate laboratories. To identify the best VCO, an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed. This multi-criteria decision-making model used standards from the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) as its benchmark. The evaluation ranked each producer across four categories: sensory attributes, food safety, composition and quality factors, and free fatty acids. The developed AHP framework provides a robust method for selectors, buyers, and consumers to make informed decisions. Furthermore, it allows high-quality producers to leverage this strategy for marketing, while encouraging others to identify areas for product improvement.
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to acknowledge Mr. Tevita Kete of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community of Fiji for the partnership and providing the laboratory data, which made this publication possible.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Secretariat of the Pacific Community of Fiji.
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Author contributions: Jimaima Lako received the experimental results and data through partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community of Fiji, interpreted the results, reviewed, edited and finalized the manuscript. Ronal Chand developed the first draft, finalized the manuscript, analyzed and interpreted the results, and reviewed and edited the manuscript. He is the corresponding author with the journal editor, and organized author contributions. Rishal Singh co-developed the first draft, analyzed and interpreted the results and reviewed the manuscript. Riteshni Maharaj analyzed and interpreted the results and reviewed the manuscript.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: AI was not used.
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Conflict of interest: No conflict of interest.
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Research funding: None declared.
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Data availability: The authors have the data and its analysis.
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