Current Developments in Risk Management for 3-MCPD and Glycidyl Esters in the European Union

Free and bound 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and glycidyl esters (GE) are toxic process contaminants with genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. These contaminants are formed primarily during the deodorization process of refined vegetable and fish oils. Other sources in the food chain include frying, smoking, baking, emulsifiers, modified starches and food packaging materials.

The European Union's risk management for 3-MCPD and GE combines three approaches. First, maximum levels (ML) for 3-MCPD and GE in oils, fats, infant formulae and emulsifiers are set under EU Regulations 2023/915, 2023/1329 and 2023/1428. So far, these address the primary routes of contamination and include ML specifically focused on vulnerable groups such as infants. Forthcoming measures will establish ML for 3-MCPD and GE in additional commodities, particularly in jarred foods for babies and toddlers. A strategy to set general maximum levels for compound foods based on their fat content, thus providing comprehensive regulatory coverage for all food categories, is currently under discussion

Second, harmonized performance criteria for the monitoring of 3-MCPD and GE in various matrices are defined in EU Regulation 333/2007. The ongoing revision of these criteria aims to align them with concepts established in pesticide analysis, such as the Lowest Validated Level (LVL), which ensures full validation at the lower end of the working range and reduces the relevance of method specific LOQ and LOD in food monitoring. This update simplifies and harmonizes monitoring efforts across the EU.

Third, standardization of analytical methods for process contaminants is addressed at CEN level, with new activities under TC 275/WG13. Current considerations include the issue of interfering MBPD and MIPD esters in indirect methods for 3-MCPD and GE determination, to meet the requirement of analytical specificity given in EU Regulation 333/2007.

These comprehensive measures reflect the EU's proactive approach to protecting public health by continuously improving food safety standards.