Assay of 2-MCPD, 3-MCPD and Glycidol

Phytocontrol is pleased to announce that, in addition to the analyses already carried out at the laboratory, our R&D department has developed a new method for the assay of 2-MCPD, 3-MCPD and Glycidol by GC-MS/MS with a limit of quantification of 10µg/kg.

The laboratory is able to determine the level of 2-MCPD, 3-MCPD and free Glycidol in products of plant origin and infant milks. Analysis of soy sauce, hydrolysed vegetable proteins, tea, cocoa and infant milk can be carried out under accreditation.

These substances are process contaminants; they form during the processing and manufacturing of certain foods and ingredients.

Currently, Regulation No. 1881/2006 sets maximum levels for 3-MCPD at 20 μg/kg in hydrolysed vegetable protein and soy sauce. This level applies to the liquid product containing 40% dry matter.

A draft regulation is currently under validation.
It aims to set maximum levels for glycidyl fatty acid esters:
– for vegetable oils and fats intended for the production of baby food and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children (500 μg/kg)
– for vegetable oils and fats placed on the market for the end consumer or used as an ingredient in foodstuffs other than those mentioned above (1000 μg/kg).
– stricter limits will be introduced for glycidyl fatty acid esters in infant formula and follow-on formula from 01/07/2019 (50 μg/kg for powder and 6 μg/kg for liquid product). Until 30/06/2019, the levels will be 75 μg/kg for powder and 10 μg/kg for liquid product.

EFSA has published a scientific opinion on the risk to consumers relating to the presence of 3-MCPD and 2-MCPD, their fatty acid esters and glycidyl fatty acid esters in food.
You will find this opinion at the link below: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4426/epdf

Below is an EFSA video on contaminants arising from processing:
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/fr/press/news/160503a

For any technical, pricing and/or regulatory information, please contact us.