Analytical approaches for MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in food and biological samples: a review and future perspectives

Abstract

Esters of 2 - and 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (MCPD) and glycidol esters are important contaminants of processed edible oils used as foods or food ingredients. This review describes the occurrence and analysis of MCPD esters and glycidol esters in vegetable oils and some other foods. The focus is on the analytical methods based on both direct and indirect methods. Methods of analysis applied to oils and lipid extracts of foods have been based on transesterification to free MCPD and determination by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (indirect methods) and by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (direct methods). The evolution and performance of the different methods is described and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. The application of direct and indirect methods to the analysis of foods and to research studies is described. The metabolism and fate of MCPD esters and glycidol esters in biological systems and the methods used to study these in body tissues studies are described. A clear understanding of the chemistry of the methods is important when choosing those suitable for the desired application, and will contribute to the mitigation of these contaminants.

Keywords:

• chloropropanols
• MCPD
• MCPD esters
• glycidol
• glycidyl esters
• food processing
• carcinogens
• vegetable oil
• deodorisation
• LC-MS
• food safety
• chromatography

Acknowledgements

This work was commissioned by the Process-related Compounds & Natural Toxins Task Force and Risk Assessment of Chemicals in Food Task Force of the European branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI Europe). Industry members of the task forces are Ajinomoto Europe, Bunge Europe, Cargill, Danone, DSM, Kikkoman Foods Europe, Kraft Foods Europe, Luigi Lavazza, Mars, Nestlé, Pepsico International, Premier Foods, Procter & Gamble, Soremartec Italia – Ferrero Group, and Unilever. This review was coordinated by Dr Alessandro Chiodini and Dr Pratima Rao Jasti, Scientific Project Managers at ILSI Europe. For further information about ILSI Europe, please email: [email protected] or telephone [phone].

Notes

Note

The opinions expressed herein and the conclusions of this review are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of ILSI Europe or those of its member companies. Colin Crews, Michael Granvogl, Jan Kuhlmann, Alfonso Lampen and Rüdiger Weisshaar received an honorarium from ILSI Europe for their participation in this review and reimbursement of their travel and accommodation costs for attending the related meetings. Alessandro Chiodini and Pratima Rao Jasti are employed by ILSI Europe.