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3-MCPD and its esters and fatty acid esters of glycidol are newly formed contaminants present in certain vegetable oils and processed foods. Esters of 3-MCPD and glycidol are formed particularly during the oil refining process.
3-MCPD and its esters are considered to be potentially carcinogenic to humans. A TDI (Tolerable Daily Intake) has been set for the group at 2 µg/kg body weight per day.
Maximum limits for these compounds are laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 on contaminants:
- Regulation (EC) 1881/2006 set maximum limits for free 3-MCPD in soy sauce and hydrolysed vegetable protein at 20 µg/kg.
- Regulation (EU) 2018/290 amending 1881/2006 set maximum limits for glycidol fatty acid esters in vegetable and animal oils and fats :
- Vegetable oils and fats, fish oils and other marine organisms: 1000 µg/kg
- Vegetable oils and fats, fish oils and other marine organisms for the production of baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children: 500 µg/kg
- Infant formulae, follow-on formulae, foodstuffs for special medical purposes for infants and young children and infant formulae: 50 µg/kg for powdered formulae and 6 µg/kg for liquid formulae.
- Regulation (EU) 2020/1322 amending 1881/2006 and applicable since 01/01/2021, sets limits for the sum of 3-MCPD and its esters in vegetable and animal oils and fats:
- Vegetable oils and fats: 1 250 µg/kg or 2 500 µg/kg depending on the vegetable oil.
- Oils from fish and other marine organisms: 2,500 µg/kg
Vegetable oils and fats, fish oils and oils and other marine organisms intended for the production of baby foods and processed cereal-based foods
