Monochloro-1,2-propanediol Esters (MCPDE) and Glycidyl Esters (GE) Analysis: Recent Updates from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol esters (3-MCPDE), 2-monochloro-1,3-propanediol esters (2-MCPDE), and glycidyl esters (GE) are process-induced chemical contaminants found in refined edible oils and foods containing these oils. Studies have shown these contaminants may be carcinogenic and/or genotoxic, making their presence in foods a potential health concern. Since 2012, researchers at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have developed methods for the analysis of MCPDE and GE in a variety of matrices, including edible oils, infant formula, and other processed foods. Those methods have since been used for the collection of occurrence data for these contaminants in over 1000 food samples.

 
Over the last year, the FDA has worked on several MCPDE and GE related projects, including an updated collection of occurrence data for infant formulas purchased in 2023 from the U.S. market and an investigation of how specific steps during the manufacture of infant formula may impact the concentrations of 3-MCPDE/GE in the final product. The recent occurrence study revealed a substantial downward trend in contaminant levels in infant formula over the last 10 years, and the processing studies showed spray-drying is likely the main contributor to decreased GE concentrations in powdered infant formula in comparison to the levels initially present in the oil ingredients. This poster will summarize the details of these studies and discuss future investigations related to these contaminants.