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Imprint
Bioavailability of 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters
Project
Project code: BfR-LMS-08-1322-415
Contract period: 01.04.2009
- 31.12.2010
Purpose of research: Applied research
The thermal treatment of fat-containing foodstuff in the presence of salt leads to the forma-tion o 3-MCPD fatty acid esters. Upon hydrolytic cleavage, these substances could release 3-MCPD. Some studies on the toxicological characterisation of 3-MCPD are available, and the risk potential of this substance has been assessed by the BfR (experts opinion from July 9th 2003). 3-MCPD is not genotoxic and in animal studies it displayed cancerogenic potential only at extremely high doses. In these studies, kidney and testis were the primary target organs. A preliminary TDI value of 2 µg/kg BW/day was fixed.In addition to free 3-MCPD also high amounts of 3-MCPD fatty acid esters have been de-tected in 2006 in fat-containing foodstuff such as margarine or vegetable oil, but also in baby food (dry milk powder). In its experts opinion from December 11th 2007 the BfR stated that these high amounts of MCPD esters give cause for concern, because assuming total hy-drolysis of the esters in the human intestinal tract, the amount of free 3-MCPD would then significantly exceed its TDI value. However, not much is known about the potential hydroly-sis of 3-MCPD esters in the intestine, and moreover, 3-MCPD fatty acid esters have not been toxicologically characterised so far. Therefore, research activities in this field have been reminded. Aim of the project is to examine the hydrolysis of 3-MCPD fatty acid esters and the resulting release of free 3-MCPD by using a model system of the human intestine.
Section overview
Subjects
- Food Chemistry
- Toxicology
