Free and bound 2-MCPD, 3-MCPD, and glycidyl fatty acid esters in food

Determination of 2-MCPD, 2-MCPD fatty acids esters, 3-MCPD, 3-MCPD fatty acid esters, and glycidyl fatty acid esters (expressed as glycidol). The analysis is conducted with GC-MS and GC-MS/MS methods.

2-MCPD fatty acid esters, 3-MCPD fatty acid esters, and glycidyl fatty acid esters are food contaminants that can form during the processing and production of refined food oils and fats, particularly under high heat conditions, such as deodorization.

Regulation (EU) No 2023/915 establishes maximum allowable levels of 3-MCPD, 3-MCPD fatty acid esters, and glycidyl fatty acid esters in various food categories, including:

• Vegetable oils and fats, fish oils and oils from other marine organisms

• Infant formula, follow-on formula, and food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children