How to reduce 3MCPD and GE, palm oil contaminants, during processing
Recently, 3mcpd in vegetable oils has been getting a lot of attention in recent years in the edible oil industry. In fact, discussion about it has been around for decades. In 1978, 3mcpd and its esters (GEs) were identified as food contaminants in hydrolyzed vegetable proteins (HVPs.) Since then, efforts have been made to identify in other foods, including edible oils, that may contain these contaminants. In 2013, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) identified margarine, preserved meats, bread and vegetable oil as major sources of 3 mcpd. Extensive studies about the potentially harmful effects of trace compounds in the human body led to increased regulation in 2018 about the maximum content of these contaminants in food. As such, it is important to understand what 3 mcpd is, and how to reduce its formation in your food processing.
DATE 2023-11-28What are 3MCPD and GE in palm oil?
3-MCPDs and GEs are chemical compounds formed during the high-temperature refining of edible oils, especially palm oil. These contaminants can occur when oils are exposed to intense heat, such as during the deodorization process. Due to their potential health risks, 3-MCPDs in vegetable oils and GEs have become a regulatory and consumer concern.
What does 3MCPD stand for?
3-MCPD stands for 3-monochloropropane diol-1,2-diol. It is a contaminant formed in heat-processed, fat-containing foods when glycerol or acylglycerides react in the presence of chloride ions. 3-MCPDEs are esterified forms created through the same process.
What is GE in palm oil?
Glycidyl fatty acid esters (GEs) are contaminants that form during edible oil refining processes at high temperatures. GEs can therefore appear in many foods containing refined oils and fats.
3MCPD Regulations
Concerns about 3-MCPDs and GEs continue to rise due to their potential health risks. Public health recommendations advise people to minimize exposure to these contaminants in the foods they consume, making it essential for edible oil producers to limit the formation of 3-MCPDs and GEs during processing.
3‑MCPD EU regulation and maximum levels
Under European Union regulation introduced in 2018, glycidyl esters in palm oil must not exceed 1 ppm as glycidol in foods for adults. For infant formula, baby food, processed cereal-based foods, and juices for infants and young children, the maximum level is 0.5 ppm.
3MCPD Malaysian Palm Oil Board Regulation
To set higher industry standards and meet new European Union food safety standards, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board introduced stricter limits for the country’s palm oil producers.
As of January 1, 2021, the maximum content of GEs is 1 ppm in both processed palm kernel oil and processed palm oil. The maximum content of 3-MCPDEs in processed palm kernel oil is 1.25 ppm.
As of January 1, 2022, the maximum content of 3-MCPDEs in processed palm oil is 1.25 ppm for integrated refineries, exporters, and importers. For independent refineries, this requirement became effective as of January 2023.
3MCPD and GE formation
3-MCPD, its esters (3-MCPD esters), and GEs are not present in raw oil. They form during processing at high temperatures.
3MCPD formation
3-MCPDE forms in heat-processed, fatty foods when glycerol or acylglycerides react in the presence of chloride ions. This process is irreversible. Once 3-MCPDE forms, there is no known method to remove it from the oil.
GE formation
GE forms during the high-temperature processing during deodorization. Unlike 3-MCPDEs, GEs can be reduced by converting them into harmless compounds or by separating the GEs from the refined oil
3MCPD mitigation
Edible oil producers can reduce 3-MCPD and GE formation throughout the value chain – from the plantation practices to final oil refining processes. The right mitigation strategy depends on where you operate within the processing chain.
- At plantations, choosing the right fertilizer can reduce chloride levels in the fresh fruit bunches.
- At mills, washing the chloride from fresh palm fruit bunches during the early processing phase helps prevent chlorine from coming into contact with the oil. However, despite the best of efforts, chlorine may still reach the oil. Processing fruit bunches within 48 hours of harvesting reduces hydrolysis and diacylglycerol (DAG) content in crude palm oil (CPO), thereby improving quality and reducing the risk of GE formation during refining.
- At refineries, washing the CPO before refining helps achieve the lowest possible chloride levels. Reducing the temperature and residence time during deodorization also supports meeting the final refined oil specifications for 3MCPD, while also considering other specifications such as colour.
GE mitigation
There are also several ways to mitigate glycidol ester or GE:
- Control deodorization conditions: Minimize GE formation by limiting the temperature and residence time in the deodorizer.
- Re-refining: Treat the oil with activated bleaching earth, followed by mild deodorization.
- GE stripping: Use GE-stripping processes to remove GE from the oil.
Webinar
Learn more about how to reduce 3MCPD and GE in our webinar, during which our experienced edible oil expert shares in details about:
- Where and how to reduce chloride content to minimize 3MCPD formation?
- How to fit in 3MCPD and GE mitigation into an existing site?
- How to choose between the available GE mitigation options?
- How to prepare for stricter regulations of the maximum content of these contaminants the future?
Proven solutions for 3MCPD removal and GE mitigation
Since 2017, Alfa Laval has sold and commissioned more than 34 crude palm oil (CPO) washing systems, installed in both CPO mills and refineries. No matter the size of your mill or refinery, we can customize a solution to meet your 3-MCPD removal requirements, designed to adapt to future expansions.
Alfa Laval also has a long tradition of delivering flexible, reliable deodorization technology for GE mitigation. Building on decades of innovation since the 1960s, the company continues to develop novel solutions to address today’s challenges. Our latest advancement in deodorizing technology, Alfa Laval PalmFlex refining, outperforms standard systems, significantly improving the quality of refined, bleached, and deodorized palm oil.
Alfa Laval solutions not only reduce 3-MCPD and GE levels in refined palm oil but also help minimize yield loss. Our energy-efficient, low-maintenance solutions consistently deliver top performance, operating reliability, and premium oil quality, resulting in low total cost of ownership and true peace of mind.
