Publication of Regulation (EU) 2018/290 Glycidol fatty acid ester limits
Regulation (EU) No 2018/290 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 on the establishment of maximum levels for fatty acid esters of glycidol was published on 27 February 2018.
Glycidol fatty acid esters are food contaminants found in vegetable oils and fats. These esters are hydrolyzed to glycidol in the gastrointestinal tract.
EFSA concluded that glycidol posed a risk to the consumer because of its genotoxic and carcinogenic properties.
It is therefore appropriate to set maximum limits for fatty acid esters of glycidol in vegetable oils and fats intended for placing on the market for sale to the final consumer or for use as an ingredient in foodstuffs.
In view of concerns about the health of infants and young children, stricter limits have also been set for vegetable oils and fats intended for the production of baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children as well as for infant formulae, follow-on formulae and foods intended for special medical purposes for infants and young children.
Concerning 3-MCPD and its fatty acid esters, EFSA re-opened its evaluation and regulatory measures may be taken following the results of this evaluation.
According to Article 2 of the Regulation, foodstuffs that were placed on the market before the entry into force of the Regulation may remain on the market until 19 September 2018.
The Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
You will find below the maximum limits put in place:
| Maximum levels (µg/kg) | |
| 3-chloropropanediol (3-MCPD) | |
| Hydrolysed vegetable protein | 20 |
| Soy sauce | 20 |
| Glycidol fatty acid esters expressed as glycidol | |
| Vegetable oils and fats placed on the market for sale to the final consumer or for use as an ingredient in foodstuffs | 1 000 |
| Vegetable oils and fats for the production of baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children | 500 |
| Infant formulae, follow-on formulae and foods for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children (in powder form) | 75 until 30.6.2019 50 from 1.7.2019 |
| Infant formulae, follow-on formulae and foods for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children (liquids) | 10,0 until 30.6.2019 6,0 from 1.7.2019 |
The laboratory is currently able to determine the content of 2-MCPD, 3-MCPD and free Glycidol by GC-MS/MS with a limit of quantification of 10µg/kg in products of plant origin and infant milks.
The analysis of soy sauce, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins and infant milk can be performed under accreditation.
We are currently developing a method for the analysis of glycidol fatty acid esters.
For any technical, pricing and/or regulatory information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
