ABioSA boosted the quality and integrity of high-value Baobab and Marula oils with novel testing and technology.

Adulteration of indigenous oils through dilution erodes consumer trust, forces genuine producers out of the market, and impacts communities which rely on the trade for livelihoods.

Marula and Baobab sector development plans supported by ABioSA phase I highlighted the absence of testing labs or baseline data to standardise the commercial use of indigenous vegetable oils.

In its second phase, ABioSA supported the pioneering botanicals Trusted and Authenticated Fingerprinting (b-TAF) project with Precision Oil Laboratory.

b-TAF collected information on the provenance and traditional use of indigenous oils, harvesting and processing rituals, growing conditions, seasonality, efficacy, and consumer and market trends.

Precision Oils then analysed samples provided by 24 companies in Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Ghana, Senegal, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Testing was based on the unique identifiers of oils to create a database of oil identification markers which enable a conclusive determination of authenticity. The project has assisted enforcement of quality standards adopted in South Africa under the SA Bureau of Standards (SABS).

'b-TAF provides transparency and assurance by using standardised authentication methods to maintain trust and integrity in the industry', says Mathilda Mostert, Precision Oils chief executive.

'By ensuring the authenticity of indigenous oils, b-TAF protects African economic development and cultural heritage, and safeguards livelihoods and competitiveness of African economies.'

The b-TAF model can predict adulteration with 95% certainty. Clear distinctions can now be made between various vegetable oils, and between cold pressed and solvent-extracted oil. B-TAF can also determine the provenance of Baobab and Marula oil.

The project worked in partnership with African Baobab Alliance (ABA), Namibia Network of the Cosmetics industry (NANCi), the Marula Chamber of the Southern African Essential Oil Producers Association (SAEOPA), University of Pretoria and Tshwane University of Science and Technology.