Monochloropropanediols (MCPD) esters and glycidyl esters (GE) in infant formulas and challenges of palm oil industry in Malaysia: a review

Abstract

Infant formula is an exclusive diet that offers the requisite nutrients for infants up to 6 months prior to the introduction of solids in their diet. Vegetable oils in infant formulas that serve as a source of fat could be contamination of monochloropropanediols (MCPD) and glycidol. The toxicity of MCPD and glycidol was highlighted in several studies implied health risk for exposed children, especially with their low body weight. This paper reviewed the occurrence of MCPD and glycidyl esters in infant formulas marketed in various countries, including risk assessment and associated estimated dietary exposure. From the selected studies published between 2015 to 2019, the presence of the contaminants was detected, but their concentrations decreased over the years indicating a low potential health risk to infants. These have been linked to the success of the vegetable oil producers' implementation of mitigation strategies. The paper also discusses the infant formula market in Malaysia, as well as the association of the use of palm oil in infant and follow-up formula in the Malaysian market. As one of the largest producers and exporters of palm oil and palm oil by-products, Malaysia is taking serious steps and the mitigation strategies it is exercising to reduce the level of MCPD and glycidol to comply with the regulation proposed by the European Commission. However, more studies are needed to gain a clearer view of the association between the use of palm oil in infant formulas and the occurrence of MCPD esters and glycidols, as well as their risk assessment.