3-MCPD ESTERS

The following are summary of notes on the above matter ;

• the presence of 3-MCPD esters in all refined vegetable oils and fats
• palm oil does not contain the highest level of 3-MCPD esters in comparison with other oils as reported by some researchers
• health risk posed by MCPD esters is also ambiguous
• no toxicological data on 3-MCPD esters are available
• the cause of formation of 3-MCPD esters are deodorising temperature in refining process, pH and chloride content (nature of the chloride ion)
• limit of detection (LOD) is 0.25 miligram/kg, while limit of quantification (LOQ) is 0.5 miligram/kg
• the possible factors that contribute to the formation of 3-MCPD esters besides the deodorisation are - acidity (dosage of phosphoric acid), type of bleaching earth (natural versus acid activated), chloride levels

The level of 3-MCPD esters in the processed palm oil can be reduced if the following measures are taken ;

• the ffb should be harvested and sterilised immediately
• natural clay and acid-activated clay with neutral or close to neutral pH are recommended during refining
• optimisation of phosphoric acid dosage during degumming
• reduction of acidity prior to bleaching
• chemical refining is a possible way to reduce the formation of 3-MCPD esters
• ensuring good quality CPO

Source : MPOB Statement on 3-MCPD Esters

MySide -
# similar challenges goes to palm oil industry
# palm oil producers should be united