3-MCPD as contaminant in processed foods: State of knowledge and remaining challenges

3-Chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) and its fatty acid esters (FE) are present as contaminants in different pro-cessed foods. Based on the available toxicological data the potential risk of 3-MCPD and its FE to human health was assessed by risk assessment authorities, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Considering the available data, EFSA concluded that 3-MCPD is a non-genotoxic compound exhibiting secondary carcino-genic effects in rodents. A tolerable daily intake of 2 mu g/kg body weight and day was derived by EFSA for free and ester-bound 3-MCPD in 2018. However, there are still different pending issues that have remained unclear until now. Here, we summarize the current knowledge regarding 3-MCPD and its FE with a focus on pending issues regarding exposure assessment via biomarkers as well as the identification of (toxic) metabolites formed after exposure to FE of 3-MCPD and their modes of action.

Automated summary

This article summarizes the current knowledge on 3-MCPD and its fatty acid esters (FE), focusing on pending issues related to exposure assessment using biomarkers and the identification of (toxic) metabolites formed after exposure to FE of 3-MCPD and their modes of action.