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.     

Gas-liquid chromatography of triglycerides from erucic acid oils and fish oils

By critically selecting optimum operating conditions, quantitative gas-liquid chromatography of triglycerides has been extended to molecules containing substantial amounts of C₂₀, C₂₂, and C₂₄ fatty acids. The triglycerides of four erucic acid oils (water cress, rapessed, nasturtium, andLunaria annua) and two fully hydrogenated fish oils (menhaden and tuna) have been quantitatively analyzed by this technique. The average fatty acid chain length calculated from the triglyceride composition of each oil agreed closely with that determined by GLC of its respective methyl esters. Several conclusions about the triglyceride composition of the fats analyzed are discussed. Winner, AOCS Bond Award. Presented at the AOCS Meeting in Cincinnati, October 1965.     

Minimum ignition energies

In this, the final part of a two-part report, the authors take a look at the electrical energy required to ignite certain solids in air and in oxygen both at 1 atmosphere and at hyperbaric pressures. Increased use of oxygen-enriched atmospheres in medicine, undersea exploration, and the space program (twice with tragic results) has caused attention to be focused on the effects of oxygen enrichment on the flammability of materials. Note: This paper is based on research sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service, Department of Health, Education and Welfare under Appropriation 7560370. Reference to trade names is made for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the Bureau of Mines.