Rapid and simple method for determination of cholesterol in processed food.

An improved method for determination of cholesterol in processed food with only one extraction and without solvent removal was developed. Total time to analyze a sample including gas chromatographic (GC) analysis is 45 min. Food samples spiked with internal standard are hydrolyzed in a screw-capped vial with saturated methanolic KOH. Cyclohexane is added to the mixture, and the upper layer is analyzed by GC on a capillary column. Average recoveries of spiked white eggs are 99 +/- 0.5%. Fifteen types of processed food containing shrimp, fish, meat, cheese, eggs, and vegetables were analyzed with this method and with the AOAC method.