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Imprint
Mode of Action of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) and of 2-chloro-1,3-propanediol (2-MCPD)
Project
Project code: BfR-LMS-08-1322-660
Contract period: 01.03.2016
- 31.12.2017
Purpose of research: Experimental development
Fatty acid esters of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) and of 2-chloro-1,3-propanediol (2-MCPD) are formed during heat treatment of numerous foods, e.g., during the refinement of vegetable fats and oils. After ingestion, the esters are hydrolyzed in the gut, thereby releasing free 3-MCPD and free 2-MCPD which are then resorbed into the body. 3-MCPD is a non-genotoxic carcinogen and was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as being possibly carcinogenic to humans (class 2B). Based on the results of animal carcinogenicity studies a TDI of 2 µg/kg bw/day was derived. In particular the amounts of 3-MCPD fatty acid esters in infant formula have been regarded problematic as the TDI may be exceeded when infants are exclusively fed with these products (BfR opinions 047/2007 and 006/2013). Urgent needs for research has been identified for the ongoing risk assessment of 3-MCPD and of 2-MCPD in order to clarify open toxicological questions. These are, e.g., questions regarding the metabolism and the bioavailability of these substances as well as the molecular mechanisms of the carcinogenic potential of 3-MCPD. In the case of 2-MCPD there are almost no toxicological data available as this compound was identified to be present in food not before 2011. Thus, this project aims on the identification of modes of action of 3-MCPD and 2-MCPD and on a detailed characterization of the toxicological potential of these compounds at the molecular level.
Section overview
Subjects
- Food Chemistry
- Toxicology
