Abstract: 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) esters (3-MCPDE) and glycidyl esters (GE) are processing contaminants mainly formed during the deodorization of refined vegetable and fish oils and pose a serious health risk due to their potential genotoxic and carcinogenic properties.
Since 2018, the content of glycidyl esters in oils, fats and infant food has been regulated in the European Union. With the publication of EU Regulation 2020/1322, maximum levels for free and bound 3-MCPD were added for the mentioned matrix categories.
Alerts on high levels of MCPD and GE in compound foods from the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) have led to discussions on the need for maximum levels of MCPD + GE in other food categories (fine bakery ware and margarine among others). Beside an increased level of consumer protection achieved by setting maximum limits for compound food, there remain challenges which have to be met in the regulatory process.
Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) comprise a heterogeneous class of hydrocarbon mixtures and are generally divided into two subgroups, mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) and mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH). The main pathways of MOH into the food chain are food packaging materials, food additives, processing aids and environmental contamination.
Findings of potentially carcinogenic MOAH in infant formula in 2019 have led to a high level of awareness regarding this group of contaminants. The decision of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed in April 2022 to classify all foods containing MOAH above a defined limit of quantification as unsafe, has led to a harmonized approach in the assessment of MOAH in the EU. Further regulatory steps, for example setting maximum levels via regulation, may follow.
.jpg "Martin Kaminski, PhD (he/him/his) photo")