MCPDs & Glycidyl Esters in Food

2- and 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (2- and 3-MCPD) are food process contaminants. 2-MCPD, 3-MCPD, and glycidyl esters (GEs) are contaminants formed from natural food constituents when heat is applied in the production process.

Producers derive edible oils, including vegetable oils and fish oils, from various commodities such as fruits, seeds, nuts, and fish. Refining of edible oils (at temperatures of about 200°C or higher) can produce 3-MCPD esters and GEs.

Exposure to 3-MCPDEs and GEs can occur through consumption of refined oils and various food products containing refined oils, such as infant formula, dietary supplements, fried potato products, and bakery products. Some recent studies also suggest that they can be found in food supplements containing fish, algae, or krill oils.

These contaminants are either formed together with the flavoring substances, which are of great importance for food quality and taste, or they are built during the refining process of food raw materials. In practice, it is difficult to avoid these compounds while assuring consumer expectations and ensuring the quality and safety of the product.

Risk Assessment & Exposure

Regulatory Framework

Regulation (EU) 2023/915 establishes the maximum levels of 3-MCPD, 3-MCPD esters, and GEs in foodstuffs, including:

• Vegetable oils and fats
• Fish oils and oils from marine organisms
• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
• Soy sauce
• Infant formula
• Follow-on formula
• Foods for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children

This regulation includes the 2018 Regulation (EU) 2018/290 and the 2020 Regulation (EU) 2020/1322, addressing maximum levels of 3-MCPD, 3-MCPD fatty acid esters, and glycidyl fatty acid esters in certain foods.

Our Analytical Services to address MCPDs & Glycidyl Esters

Mérieux NutriSciences offers a comprehensive analytical service to monitor the presence of free, esterified, and GE MCPD in food through GC-MS/MS. Our service covers:

• 2-MCPD (2-monochloropropane-1,2-diol)
• 3-MCPD (3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol)
• 2-MCPD esters (fatty acid esters of 2-monochloropropane-1,2-diol)
• 3-MCPD esters (fatty acid esters of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol)
• GE (glycidyl esters of fatty acids)

In addition, for the determination of 2- and 3-MCPD esters and GE in baby food and infant formula matrices, we apply the official AOAC method 2018.03 according to specific requirements and limits.

Blue Paper: MCPD & Glycidyl Esthers

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Other Contaminants & Residues

Contaminants & Residues