Chapter 2 - Formation mechanisms

Abstract

The circumstances surrounding the formation of fatty esters of monochloropropanediol (MCPD-FE) in refined edible oils have been subject to large amounts of speculation. Further, amid analytical developments in MCPD-FE quantification, another family of compounds was discovered in refined edible oils—the fatty esters of glycidol (G-FE). G-FEs were found to be partially responsible for inflation of the results of MCPD-FE quantifications due to the generation of artifacts during sample preparation before analysis using indirect methods. Despite these early hurdles, some recent breakthroughs were made on the formation mechanisms of both MCPD-FE and G-FE during palm oil refining. This chapter examines the status of the literature to date as it pertains to the formation pathways of MCPD-FE and G-FE in refined edible oils, considers critical topics, including the most prevalent precursor compounds and detailed formation mechanisms responsible for the generation of these process contaminants during oil production and refining. As both MCPD-FE and G-FE have been found in the highest average abundance in palm oil, the majority of the research reviewed in the chapter involves crude palm oil production and refining. The most predominant formation mechanisms of MCPD-FE and G-FE in refined palm oil were revealed based on quantifications of known matrix components and the execution of well-defined experimental investigations. Once the formation mechanisms were proven, critical precursors and detailed formation pathways could be elucidated. These factors would prove essential in allowing for targeted and efficient mitigation procedures by oil producers.