The 2016 EFSA report on chloropropanols, such 3-MCPD, raise public health concerns based on multiple studies with rodent models. 3-MCPD, or 3-Monochloropropane-1,2 diol, is a processing contaminant that is characterized as a possible human carcinogen. This compound, initially identified in 1978 in hydrolyzed vegetable protein and soy sauce, is generated in the presence of chloride moieties during protein hydrolysis at elevated temperatures. 3-MCPD can be produced when chloride, regardless of donor source, reacts with glycerol, which is the backbone structure of lipids. A myriad of food analyses, particularly foods in the European market, indicate 3-MCPD is ubiquitous in the food supply, particular among foods and infant formulae that contain any form of edible oil. Classic toxicology studies, including genotoxicity and reproductive toxicity studies, indicate inconsistencies in adverse events associated with a broad range of doses and exposure duration. However, the majority of studies among rats indicates 3-MCPD is possibly genotoxic, mutagenic, nephrotoxic, and toxic to several categories of reproductive tissues. None of these adverse effects has been noted in humans. Regardless, several international agencies have established upper limits for human intake of 20 mg/kg bw/d for adults, and a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 2 mg/kg bw/d for infants based on limited data. Within the USA, the FDA established 1 ppm as the upper limit of chloropropanols in hydrolyzed vegetable protein and soy sauces. Currently, the agency has not addressed any health implications of 3-MCPD in edible oils. Regardless of the accepted data set for such analysis, the most vulnerable populations appear to be infants and children. Such exposures could be mitigated through the application of a simple “disruptive” technology and other processing controls which will be discussed.

MCPD - public health implications

256th National Meeting (2018)

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