The behavior of mono-, di-, and trihydroxyoctadecenoic acids was investigated during laboratory-scale mashing under various conditions with a view to controlling their production. Using a malt in which the lipoxygenase activity was at only a trace level (less than 0.01 U/g) or starting the mashing at a higher temperature than that conventionally used (65 degrees C instead of 48 degrees C) significantly decreased the production of these hydroxy fatty acids. Lowering the pH of the mash to inhibit lipoxygenase activity and preventing O-2 uptake by the mash using carbon dioxide were also effective in reducing the amounts of these acids produced during mashing. From the viewpoint of industrial-scale beer production, the prevention of O-2 uptake by the mash was selected as an appropriate method for reducing oxidation during wort production without affecting the subsequent brewing process or the taste of the finished beer. After introducing oxidation prevention procedures, the content of trihydroxyoctadecenoic acids decreased by about 30% and the foam stability and taste were improved in commercial products brewed using less than 25% malts.