The effect of added iron(III) palmitate on the rate of oxidative deterioration of refined, bleached and deodorized palm oil (RBD palm oil) was evaluated. Assessment of the oils included determinations of peroxide and p-anisidine values and UV absorbances at 233 and 269 nm. It was found that the rates of increase in peroxide value and UV absorbance at 233 nm in oils without added Fe(III) palmitate were greater than those for oils with added Fe(III) palmitate. However, the increases in p-anisidine value and UV absorbance at 269 nm were greater in oils with added Fe(III) palmitate than in oil without added Fe(III) palmitate. The results suggested that the assessment of the extent of oxidative deterioration in oils with added Fe(III) palmitate could not be evaluated using indicators of primary oxidation alone. An overall assessment showed that added Fe(III) palmitate increases the rate of formation of secondary products of oil oxidation.