Updated occurrence of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (3-MCPD) and glycidyl esters in infant formulas purchased in the United States between 2017 and 2019

ABSTRACT

Fatty acid esters of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and glycidol are potentially carcinogenic and/or genotoxic processing contaminants that are formed during the process of edible oil refining. Because of their toxicological properties, the presence of these compounds in refined oils and foods containing these oils, particularly infant formula, poses a potential food safety concern. For this reason, recent research efforts have focussed on the development of methods for the analysis of MCPD and glycidyl esters in infant formula in order to estimate levels of exposure. This work presents occurrence data for 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in 222 infant formulas purchased in the United States between December 2017 and January 2019. The results of this study show a wide range of contaminant concentrations across four different manufacturers, with average bound 3-MCPD concentrations ranging from 0.035 µg g^?1 to 0.63 µg g^?1 and average bound glycidol concentrations ranging from 0.019 µg g^?1 to 0.22 µg g^?1. The data suggest that manufacturers B and C source palm oil produced with mitigation measures, leading to reduced amounts of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in their infant formulas. Additionally, comparison with a previously published study in our laboratory of the occurrence of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in infant formula purchased in the U.S. between 2013 and 2016 revealed that, since 2016, contaminant concentrations have decreased in products produced by manufacturers A, B, and C, while contaminant amounts in formulas from manufacturer D have slightly increased.     

Application of gastrointestinal modelling to the study of the digestion and transformation of dietary glycidyl esters

Glycidyl esters (GEs) are known to be formed during vegetable oil processing. Because of their structure, it has been hypothesised that GEs, like fatty acid esters of chloropropanols (MCPD esters), may be accepted as substrates by gut lipases to release the epoxide glycidol. If confirmed such a hypothesis would be important for risk assessment since glycidol is considered as a genotoxic carcinogen. In the present study, biotransformation was investigated using static and dynamic gastrointestinal models. During the experiments, aliquots were analysed for non-digested GEs using liquid chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ToF-MS). In the static model, a fast hydrolysis of GEs was observed as a result of lipase action. Lipase was very efficient at pH 4.8, and totally inhibited at very low pH (1.7). In the absence of lipase, GEs were found to be relatively stable. The potential impact of food matrix was studied using milk in a dynamic model simulating human physiological conditions. The fast, pH-dependent hydrolysis of GEs was further confirmed. The possible transformation of the digestion products was then investigated using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS), mainly the epoxide ring-opening to glycerol followed by additional reactions. In any conditions applied, neither 2- nor 3-mono-chloropropanediol (2- nor 3-MCPD) were formed, indicating that a ring-opening of the epoxide group of GEs or glycidol followed by a reaction with chloride was unlikely. A small transformation of glycidol into glycerol was observed after longer incubation time correlated with a low pH. This suggested that ring-opening and reaction with water is possible in strongly acidic conditions. Overall, it is concluded that GEs are rapidly digested by gut lipases to form glycidol. Consequently, GEs should be considered as sources of glycidol exposure. In addition, risk assessment of GEs can likely rely on hazard identification and characterisation data specific for glycidol.     

Fatty acid esters of monochloropropanediol (MCPD) and glycidol in refined edible oils

Recently, fatty acid esters of monochloropropanediol (MCPD) and that of glycidol have been reported in refined edible oils. Since then a wealth of research has been published on the factors influencing the formation of these contaminants in foods. It can be noted that the predominant precursors in a given matrix will not necessarily be the same as in other matrices. Further, proven relationships in the past between precursors responsible for free MCPD or free glycidol formation will not necessarily be valid for their fatty acid-esterified counterparts. This review attempts to summarise the current status of the literature as it pertains to the reasons surrounding the manifestation of MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in oils and fats. Recent efforts to mitigate the levels of these contaminants were highlighted and put into the context of their respective reaction matrices. As more accurate occurrence data for MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in other foods are collected, more targeted mitigation experiments can be formulated with respect to the reaction matrices under investigation.     

Estimated US infant exposures to 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters from consumption of infant formula

A dietary exposure assessment was conducted for 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) esters (3-MCPDE) and glycidyl esters (GE) in infant formulas available for consumption in the United States. 3-MCPDE and GE are food contaminants generated during the deodorisation of refined edible oils, which are used in infant formulas and other foods. 3-MCPDE and GE are of potential toxicological concern because these compounds are metabolised to free 3-MCPD and free glycidol in rodents and may have the same metabolic fate in humans. Free 3-MCPD and free glycidol have been found to cause adverse effects in rodents. Dietary exposures to 3-MCPDE and GE from consumption of infant formulas are of particular interest because formulas are the sole or primary food source for some infants. In this analysis, US Food and Drug Administration data on 3-MCPDE and GE concentrations (as 3-MCPD and glycidol equivalents, respectively) in a small convenience sample of infant formulas were used to estimate exposures from consumption of formula by infants 0–6 months of age. 3-MCPDE and GE exposures based on mean concentrations in all formulas were estimated at 7–10 and 2 µg/kg bw/day, respectively. Estimated mean exposures from consumption of formulas produced by individual manufacturers ranged from 1 to 14 µg/kg bw/day for 3-MCPDE and from 1 to 3 µg/kg for GE.     

Contamination of some foodstuffs marketed in Italy by fatty acid esters of monochloropropanediols and glycidol

ABSTRACT

Fatty acid esters of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD), 2-MCPD and glycidol (Gly) are food-processing contaminants that cause concerns about possible adverse health effects. The present study evaluates the contamination levels of the three ester classes in 130 samples of foodstuffs marketed in Italy covering 10 food categories, namely margarines, oils, roasted coffee, breakfast cereals, salted crackers, cookies, infant biscuits, rusks, breads and potato crisps. The analytical method employed is a so-called indirect method that entails MCPD/glycidol cleavage from their esterified forms, cleanup, derivatisation and GC-MS analysis. The MCPDs and glycidol concentrations (from esters) were found to be equal or a little higher than the levels reported in previous studies conducted in other European countries and described in the literature. 3-MCPD was the predominant compound in all foodstuffs analysed with the exception for rusks where Gly levels were slightly higher. Considering the sum of MCPD and Gly esters, the most contaminated foodstuffs were seed oils, followed by margarines and cookies, whereas roasted coffee, bread, rusks, cornflakes and infant biscuits were less contaminated with MCPDs and Gly concentrations often below LOQ or LOD values. Refined olive oil, potato chips and salted crackers showed contamination levels intermediate between the two above groups. The results of this study also confirm that the use of palm oil as an ingredient or frying medium is an important cause of increase of the levels of MCPD and Gly esters, especially in salted crackers, rusks and potato crisps. Finally, the Italian intake of 3-MCPD due to the various foods analysed has been calculated and related to TDI. The MoE for Gly was also estimated.     

Occurrence of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in edible oils in the United States

Fatty acid esters of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) and glycidol are processing contaminants found in a wide range of edible oils. While both 3 MCPD and glycidol have toxicological properties that at present has concerns for food safety, the published occurrence data are limited. Occurrence information is presented for the concentrations of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in 116 retail and/or industrial edible oils and fats using LC-MS/MS analysis of intact esters. The concentrations for bound 3-MCPD ranged from below the limit of quantitation (<LOQ) to 0.09 mg kg^?1 (ppm) in 22 unrefined oils and from 0.005 to 7.2 mg kg^?1 (ppm) in 94 refined oils. The concentrations for bound glycidol ranged from <LOQ to 0.03 mg kg^?1 (ppm) in unrefined oil samples and from <LOQ to 10.5 mg kg^?1 (ppm) in processed oil samples. The highest concentrations for both 3-MCPD and glycidol were seen in refined palm oil and palm olein samples. Palm olein samples also contained a higher percentage of 3-MCPD in mono-ester form than any other type of oil.     

Mitigation Strategies for the Reduction of 2‐ and 3‐MCPD Esters and Glycidyl Esters in the Vegetable Oil Processing Industry

The refining of vegetable oils leads to the formation of 2‐ and 3‐monochloropropane‐1,2‐diol esters (2‐ and 3‐MCPD‐E), and glycidyl esters (Gly‐E). A literature review was performed aiming to provide up‐to‐date knowledge on mitigation strategies during oil refining that can reduce the formation of these three processing contaminants. The review used the database Scopus and covered the period from 2009 to 2017. Most of the 18 papers dealt with palm oil and two papers with vegetable oil. Most studies focused on 3‐MCPD‐E, some on Gly‐E, and none on 2‐MCPD‐E. Water degumming was able to reduce the concentrations of 3‐MCPD‐E by 84% and Gly‐E by 26%. Neutralization of the oil reduced concentrations of 3‐MCPD‐E by 81% and Gly‐E by 84%. Bleaching with synthetic magnesium silicate reduced the 3‐MCPD‐E concentration by 67%. For the deodorization step, several mitigation strategies, such as double‐deodorization, the addition of various antioxidants, or a longer deodorization time, can reduce the formations of 3‐MCPD‐E by 82% and Gly‐E by 78%. Postrefining mitigation, including the use of absorbents, enzymes, or rebleaching of the oil, has also been reported to produce desirable contaminant reduction. Postrefining treatment with calcinated zeolite was able to reduce the 3‐MCPD‐E concentration by 19% and the Gly‐E concentration by 77%. Applying combined mitigation strategies to multiple steps of oil refining is likely crucial in order to adequately reduce levels of 3‐MCPD‐E and Gly‐E.     

An improved method for the measurement of 3‐monochloropropanediol esters by matrix solid‐phase dispersion supported liquid–liquid extraction

3‐Monochloropropanediol (3‐MCPD) esters are contaminants produced from the high‐temperature processing of edible oils. The accurate measurement of 3‐MCPD using an easy‐to‐follow and reliable method that uses a readily available instrument is important. Here, we report an acid transesterification heptafluorobutyrylimidazole (HFBI) derivatisation method for the accurate measurement of 3‐MCPD esters in edible oils. We developed a dispersed matrix solid‐phase supported liquid–liquid extraction (DMSP‐SLE) system to remove impurities. Both the transesterification and DMSP‐SLE conditions were optimised. A good linear relationship was obtained within the range of 0.05–10 mg kg^?1 (R² ≥ 0.999) in both blank solvent and an oil sample. The limit of detection was 20.36 μg kg^?1. The average recovery of the 3‐MCPD esters spiked at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg kg^?1 into a blank oil matrix was in a range from 105.09 ± 2.77% to 120.16 ± 10.88%. The method we developed was further confirmed by performing detection on a Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS) sample.     

3‐Chloropropane‐1,2‐diol (3‐MCPD) in Soy Sauce: A Review on the Formation,Reduction, and Detection of This Potential Carcinogen

Soy sauce, a dark‐colored seasoning, is added to enhance the sensory properties of foods. Soy sauce can be consumed as a condiment or added during the preparation of food. There are 3 types of soy sauce: fermented, acid‐hydrolyzed vegetable protein (acid‐ HVP), and mixtures of these. 3‐Chloropropane‐1,2‐diol (3‐MCPD) is a heat‐produced contaminants formed during the preparation of soy sauce and was found to be a by‐product of acid‐HVP‐produced soy sauce in 1978. 3‐MCPD has been reported to be carcinogenic, nephrotoxic, and reproductively toxic in laboratory animal testing and has been registered as a chemosterilant for rodent control. 3‐MCPD is classified as a possible carcinogenic compound, and the maximum tolerated limit in food has been established at both national and international levels. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview on the detection of 3‐MCPD in soy sauce, its toxic effects, and the potential methods to reduce its concentration, especially during the production of acid‐HVP soy sauce. The methods of quantification are also critically reviewed with a focus on efficiency, suitability, and challenges encountered in analysis.     

Development of an analytical method for the simultaneous analysis of MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in oil-based foodstuffs

Substantial progress has been recently made in the development and optimisation of analytical methods for the quantification of 2-MCPD, 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in oils and fats, and there are a few methods currently available that allow a reliable quantification of these contaminants in bulk oils and fats. On the other hand, no standard method for the analysis of foodstuffs has yet been established. The aim of this study was the development and validation of a new method for the simultaneous quantification of 2-MCPD, 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in oil-based food products. The developed protocol includes a first step of liquid–liquid extraction and purification of the lipophilic substances of the sample, followed by the application of a previously developed procedure based on acid transesterification, for the indirect quantification of these contaminants in oils and fats. The method validation was carried out on food products (fat-based spreads, creams, margarine, mayonnaise) manufactured in-house, in order to control the manufacturing process and account for any food matrix–analyte interactions (the sample spiking was carried out on the single components used for the formulations rather than the final products). The method showed good accuracy (the recoveries ranged from 97% to 106% for bound 3-MCPD and 2-MCPD and from 88% to 115% for bound glycidol) and sensitivity (the LOD was 0.04 and 0.05 mg kg^?1 for bound MCPD and glycidol, respectively). Repeatability and reproducibility were satisfactory (RSD below 2% and 5%, respectively) for all analytes. The levels of salts and surface-active compounds in the formulation were found to have no impact on the accuracy and the other parameters of the method.     

承德市食用植物油中氯丙醇酯和缩水甘油酯污染水平与暴露风险评估

目的对承德市售食用植物油中氯丙醇酯和缩水甘油酯进行污染水平分析。方法样品加入适量内标液后,经碱水解脂肪,固相萃取柱脱水净化后,用七氟丁酰基咪唑进行衍生化处理,供气相色谱-质谱仪进样分析。结果在检测的市售的30份植物油样品中,3-氯丙醇酯、2-氯丙醇酯和缩水甘油酯的检出率为100%、93%(28/30)及83%(25/30)。3-氯丙醇酯及2-氯丙醇酯含量范围分别在0.15～1.06 mg/kg和0.03-0.66 mg/kg,缩水甘油酯含量范围在0.03～1.85 mg/kg。结论氯丙醇酯和缩水甘油酯污染在承德市食用植物油中广泛存在,检出率在80%以上,这意味着虽然通过食用植物油摄入氯丙醇酯和缩水甘油酯的健康风险不高,但仍然不能忽视这种风险。检测部门应加大对这两种物质的检测力度,以保障人民的健康安全。     

食用植物油中脂肪酸氯丙醇酯形成机制的研究进展

脂肪酸氯丙醇酯的污染是近年来国际上新出现的热点食品安全问题之一,尤其是脂肪酸3-氯-1,2-丙二醇酯（3-chlorine-1,2-propylene glycol ester,3-MCPD酯）污染问题更为突出。研究表明,食用植物油中3-MCPD酯主要形成于精炼过程,而未精炼的食用植物油几乎不含3-MCPD酯。欧盟国家已对食用植物油中3-MCPD酯的形成机制开展了相关研究。本文主要对食用植物油种类、可能的前体物质、精炼工艺与3-MCPD酯形成的关系加以综述。     

Glycidyl Fatty Acid Esters in Refined Edible Oils: A Review on Formation,Occurrence, Analysis,and Elimination Methods

Glycidyl fatty acid esters (GEs), one of the main contaminants in processed oils, are mainly formed during the deodorization step in the refining process of edible oils and therefore occur in almost all refined edible oils. GEs are potential carcinogens, due to the fact that they readily hydrolyze into the free form glycidol in the gastrointestinal tract, which has been found to induce tumors in various rat tissues. Furthermore, glycidol has already been identified as a “possible human carcinogen’’ (group 2A) by the Intl. Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Therefore, significant effort has been devoted to inhibit and eliminate the formation of GEs. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary on the following topics: (i) GE occurrence data for different edible oils and oil‐based food products, (ii) precursors of GEs, (iii) factors influencing the formation of GEs, (iv) potential reaction mechanisms involving the leaving group and reaction intermediates, and (v) analytical methods, including the indirect and direct methods. More importantly, the various elimination methods for GEs in refined edible oils are being reviewed with focus on 3 aspects: (i) inhibition and removal of reactants, (ii) modification of reactive conditions, and (iii) elimination of GE products.     

Change of fatty acid esters of MCPD and glycidol during restaurant deep frying of fish nuggets and their correlations with total polar compounds

This study examined the fatty acid esters of 2-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (2-MCPD), 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and glycidyl esters (GEs) in frying oils during fish nuggets deep frying. The 3-MCPD esters significantly increased in the first 12 h and then decreased, whereas 2-MCPD esters increased to a maximum at 24 h (0.69–0.81 mg kg⁻¹) and then decreased. The GEs decreased with frying time and degraded to approximately 0.05 mg kg⁻¹ after 36 h in all frying oils. The correlation results showed that the 3-MCPD esters had a positive correlation with 2-MCPD esters (R = 0.910), so 3-MCPD esters could be an indicator of the presence of MCPD esters in frying oils. Strong correlations were found between MCPD esters and the peroxide values and p-anisidine values, indicating that changes in MCPD esters may be related to oil oxidation. These results may improve our understanding of MCPD esters and GEs in frying oils and find ways to control them during frying.     

Formation mechanisms of monochloropropanediol (MCPD) fatty acid diesters in refined palm (Elaeis guineensis) oil and related fractions

Monochloropropanediol (MCPD) fatty acid esters are process contaminants generated during the deodorisation of edible oils. In particular, MCPD diesters are found in higher abundance in refined palm oil than other edible oils. In the present study, a series of model reactions mimicking palm oil deodorisation has been conducted with pure acylglycerols in the presence or absence of either organic or inorganic chlorine-containing compounds. Results showed that the bulk of MCPD diesters are formed above 200°C through the reaction of organochlorines with triacylglycerols (TAG). Additional experiments confirmed that this reaction can be initiated during palm oil deodorisation by hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas evolved through the thermal degradation of organochlorines present in the oil. Therein, the majority of the ultimately produced MCPD diesters are the result of HCl reacting with TAG, via protonation, followed by the elimination of a fatty acid residue. Two possible MCPD diester formation mechanisms are highlighted, both of which involve acyloxonium ion reactive intermediates. Investigations with pure TAG regio-isomers showed that MCPD ester formation is regioselective and the sn-1(3) position of the glycerol backbone is favoured.     

婴配食品中氯丙醇酯的污染状况及检测方法研究进展

氯丙醇酯类污染物对人体具有潜在的危害,目前已被发现普遍存在于精炼植物油、含油脂性食品及动物乳汁及母乳中,其中精炼植物油尤其是精炼棕榈油中的污染水平较高。婴配食品中脂肪的主要来源是精炼植物油及动物脂肪,对于以婴配食品为主要食物来源的婴儿来说,此类污染物的暴露水平较高可能造成潜在的健康危害。目前婴配食品中氯丙醇酯类污染物的研究数据有限,且国内外相关法律法规不足,造成监管及生产环节关注有限。本文以婴配食品为关注点,综合介绍了国内外婴配食品中的氯丙醇酯污染状况及暴露危害、相关法律法规,并简要介绍了婴配食品中常用的氯丙醇酯检测方法,以帮助监管机构、生产企业及检测机构全面了解行业氯丙醇酯污染现状并及时做出改善。     

The optimization of conditions for the production of acid-hydrolysed winged bean and soybean proteins with reduction of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD)

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to establish the optimum time and temperature for production of acid‐hydrolysed winged bean protein (aHWBP) and acid‐hydrolysed soybean protein (aHSBP). Seven hours of hydrolysis at 125 °C was the optimum condition for producing aHWBP, whereas it was 5 h of hydrolysis at 125 °C for production of aHSBP. Although aHWBP and aHSBP produced using these conditions had favourable sensory qualities, they were found to have up to 25 mg kg^?1 of 3‐monochloropropane‐1,2‐diol (3‐MCPD). This exceeds the maximum level permissible in Commission Regulation (EC) No 466/2001. However, additional alkaline thermal treatment at pH 8.5 for 2 h at 100 °C effectively reduced the 3‐MCPD contents of aHWBP and aHSBP to undetectable levels. aHWBP has a distinctive flavour, which is different from that of aHSBP. The former has higher mean scores for meaty and vegetable attributes but lower mean scores for soy, umami and beany attributes than the latter.     

Dietary advanced glycation end-products, 2-monochloropropane-1,3-diol esters and 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters and glycidyl esters in infant formulas: Occurrence,formulation and processing effects,mitigation strategies

Infant formula contains thermal processing contaminants, such as dietary advanced glycation end-products (dAGEs), glycidyl esters (GEs), 2-monochloropropane-1,3-diol esters and 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (MCPDEs). This systematic review aimed to gain insights into the occurrence of these contaminants in different types of infant formula, to understand potential effects of the formulation and processing of infant formulas on these contaminants, as well as into possible mitigation strategies. The occurrence of dAGEs in infant formula depends on the recipes and processing conditions. Hydrolyzed protein formulations promote dAGEs formation in infant formula since peptides are more prone to glycation than intact proteins, which is reflected in high dAGEs concentration in hypoallergenic infant formula. Different carbohydrates in recipes result into different glycation extents of infant formula: maltodextrin containing formulas contained less dAGEs than those with lactose. Concerning mitigation strategies, applying ultra-high-temperature (UHT) treatment during milk processing leads to less dAGEs formation than using in-bottle sterilization. Although data are limited, evidence showed that encapsulation of raw ingredients or the use of antioxidants or enzymes in recipes is promising. The occurrence of MCPDEs and GEs in infant formula fully depends on the vegetable oils used in the recipe. High levels of these contaminants can be found when relatively high amounts of palm oils or fats are used. The mitigation of MCPDEs and GEs should therefore be performed on fats and oils before their application to infant formula recipes. Data and knowledge gaps identified in this review can be useful to guide future studies.     

婴幼儿配方奶粉及其配料油脂成分中有害酯类的污染差异分析

建立油脂和奶粉中3-氯丙醇酯、2-氯丙醇酯和缩水甘油酯的气相色谱-质谱检测方法,测定植物油脂及婴幼儿配方奶粉中的酯类污染物含量,并开展3 种有害酯类在不同种类油脂中的污染差异分析,以及与奶粉脂肪含量的相关性研究。婴幼儿配方奶粉常用植物油配料种类中,棕榈油是污染水平最高的油脂品种;其次是菜籽油、大豆油、玉米油和食用植物调和油;葵花籽油、椰子油、核桃油、亚麻籽油污染水平较低;1,3-二油酸-2-棕榈酸甘油三酯（1,3-dioleic acid-2-triglyceride palmitate,OPO）结构油脂、食用植物调合油（含OPO）污染水平最低。95 份婴幼儿配方奶粉中88.4%检出3-氯-1,2-丙二醇酯（3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol ester,3-MCPDE）,含量范围为ND～0.231 mg/kg,平均值0.070 4 mg/kg,中位值0.064 5 mg/kg;42.1%检出2-MCPDE,含量在ND～0.034 mg/kg之间;缩水甘油酯的检出率为2.1%,含量为ND～0.019 mg/kg。10.5%的奶粉样本中3-MCPDE含量超过欧盟0.125 mg/kg的限量值。奶粉中3 种酯类污染物总量与奶粉脂肪含量之间存在显著正相关,Pearson相关系数为0.453。为保护婴幼儿的安全,生产厂家应谨慎选择原料油脂,在确保营养健康的基础上尽可能降低婴幼儿配方奶粉中有害酯类的污染。     

Phthalate Esters in Foods: Sources,Occurrence, and Analytical Methods

ABSTRACT: Phthalates are a group of diesters of ortho‐phthalic acid (dialkyl or alkyl aryl esters of 1,2‐benzenedicarboxylic acid). Higher‐molecular‐weight phthalates, such as di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), are primarily used as plasticizers to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, while the lower‐molecular‐weight phthalates, such as diethyl phthalate (DEP), di‐n‐butyl phthalate (DBP), and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), are widely used as solvents to hold color and scent in various consumer and personal care products. Phthalates have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants due to volatilization and leaching from their widespread applications, and thus contamination of the environment has become another important source for phthalates in foods in addition to migration from packaging materials. Human exposure to phthalates has been an increased concern due to the findings from toxicology studies in animals. DEHP, one of the important and widely used phthalates, is a rodent liver carcinogen. DEHP, DBP, BBzP, and several phthalate metabolites, such as monobutyl phthalate, monobenzyl phthalate, and mono‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate, are teratogenic in animals. Since foods are the major source of exposure to phthalates, information on levels of phthalates in foods is important for human exposure assessment. The objective of this review is to identify the knowledge gaps for future investigations by reviewing levels of a wide range of phthalates in a variety of foods, such as bottled water, soft drinks, infant formula, human milk, total diet foods, and others, migration of phthalates from various food‐packaging materials, and traditional and new methodologies for the determination of phthalates in foods.