CHAPTER 7: 3-MCPD and Glycidyl Esters in Palm Oil

In recent years, 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and glycidyl esters have drawn the attention of scientists and consumers worldwide. 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters are carcinogens that have been found in refined vegetables fats and oils especially in palm oil products. Many studies have been carried out by various research groups to investigate the effect of refining steps and heat processing on the formation of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters and mitigate the formation of these processed contaminants in palm oil products. This chapter presents an overview on the formation and mitigation of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters during palm oil refining processes. A comprehensive comparison between direct and indirect methods for the determination of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters is also included in the chapter. As 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters are thermally induced contaminants during high-temperature processes, the effects of different frying systems and antioxidants on these processed contaminants are also reviewed.