Glycidyl Esters Research Articles

Preliminary Large Scale Mitigation of 3-Monochloropropane-1, 2-diol (3-MCPD) Esters and Glycidyl Esters in Palm Oil.

Approximately 900 tonne of crude palm oil (CPO) underwent washing using 5 to 10% hot water (90 to 95°C) at a palm oil mill. The aim of the CPO washing was to eliminate and/or reduce total chlorine content present in the conventional CPO, as it is known as the main precursor for the formation of 3-monochloropropane-1, 2-diol esters (3-MCPDE). By a simple hot water washing, more than 85% of the total chlorine was removed. However, washing did not have significant (p > 0.05) effect on other oil quality parameters such as the deterioration of bleachability index (DOBI), free fatty acid (FFA) content and diacylglycerol (DAG) content of the oil. The latter has been established as the main precursor for glycidyl esters (GE) formation. The treated CPO was then transported using tankers and further refined at a commercial refinery. Refining of washed CPO resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) lower formation of 3-MCPDE, but GE content remained slightly high. Post-treatment of refined oil significantly reduced the GE content (p < 0.05) to an acceptable level whilst almost maintaining the low 3-MCPDE level. The study has proven that water washing of CPO prior to refining and subsequent post-refining is so far the most effective way to produce good quality refined oil with considerably low 3-MCPDE and GE contents. Dry fractionation of refined palm oil showed these contaminants partitioned more into the liquid olein fraction compared to the stearin fraction.

Glycidols Esters, 2‐Chloropropane‐1,3‐Diols, and 3‐Chloropropane‐1,2‐Diols Contents in Real Olive Oil Samples and their Relation with Diacylglycerols

AbstractA series of authentic virgin, refined, and mixtures of olive oils was analyzed for their content of 2‐and 3‐chloropropanediol (MCPD) esters expressed as 2−/3‐MCPD, glycidol (and related glycidyl esters) (GE), and diglycerides (DAG). High concentrations of MCPD and GE were found, above all, in pomace oils, which come from the poorer starting raw materials, while virgin olive oils, as expected, do not contain any process contaminant. On the other hand, DAGs are present in all samples, demonstrating that their involvement in the formation of such contaminants only occurs when temperatures are higher than that used during the refining steps. The lack of correlation between the amounts of MCPD and GE can be ascribed to their completely different chemical stability as the epoxy ring of the GE opens easily, leading to both short‐chain derivatives and/or MCPD itself. This finding can also explain the data about the absence of 2‐MCPD in all the analyzed oil samples: other than the statistical probability and the steric effect of the SN2 formation mechanism, both in favor of the 3‐ derivative, we have also to consider the MCPD formation pathway involving glycidol that, under opportune conditions of refining, can increase the whole amount of 3‐MCPD (under thermodynamic control, 3‐MCPD is more stable).

Monochloropropanediol and glycidyl esters in infant formula and baby food products on the Danish market: Occurrence and preliminary risk assessment

A GC/MS-MS method for determination of monochloropropanediol (MCPDEs) and glycidol (GEs) was developed, validated, and applied to analyze 60 infant formula and baby food products commercially available on the Danish market. The contaminants were quantifiable in almost all sample categories with the exception of fruit or vegetable based purees. The highest concentrations of 3-MCPDEs and 2-MCPDEs were found in a baby biscuit product at 102.6 μg/kg and 52.8 μg/kg, respectively. Meanwhile, a baby puff item contained GEs as high as 149 μg/kg. MCPDEs and GEs concentrations are well correlated with each other in all sample types except puffs and biscuits. Occurrence data suggested that GEs formation might have taken place during production of baby puffs by unknown mechanisms. Preliminary exposure and risk assessment showed no apparent risk of Danish infants to these chemicals in formula and baby foods. However, special attention should be paid when feeding babies with puffs or similar items due to their relatively high level of GEs.

The impact of infant formula production on the concentrations of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters

ABSTRACTFatty acid esters of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD), 2-monochlorpropanediol (2-MCPD), and glycidol are process-induced chemical contaminants found in refined vegetable oils. Due to their toxicological properties, there is potential concern regarding exposure to these compounds, particularly for formula-fed infants where refined edible oils are the primary fat source in commercial infant formulas. In order to assess exposure, 55 commercial oil samples, specifically intended for use in infant formula, were collected in 2015 from various infant formula manufacturers in the United States and analysed using a LC-MS/MS direct detection method. At the time of collection, there were no validated methods for the analysis of MCPD and glycidyl esters in infant formula. Therefore, analysis of these commercial oil samples served as an alternative for confirming the presence of these ester contaminants in infant formula. Bound 3-MCPD and glycidol concentrations in these oils ranged from below the limit of quantitation (<LOQ) to 5.13 µg g−1 and <LOQ to 6.14 µg g−1, respectively. Highest ester concentrations were observed in palm olein samples. Concentrations of bound 3-MCPD and glycidol in the commercial oils were consistent with previously published occurrence studies at the time, suggesting that oils used in the manufacture of infant formula were similar (or processed in a similar manner) as refined oils marketed directly to consumers in 2015. In order to determine if conditions during infant formula production impact the presence of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in the finished products, concentrations in oils were compared to concentrations in finished infant formula collected at approximately the same time. The comparison revealed that conditions used in the manufacture of infant formula likely initiate the destruction or conversion of glycidyl esters to other compounds, resulting in lower amounts of bound glycidol in the final product relative to the concentrations originally present in the refined oils.

Optimization and validation of in-situ derivatization and headspace solid-phase microextraction for gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of 3-MCPD esters, 2-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in edible oils via central composite design

This study aimed to develop a headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS–SPME–GC–MS) method for the quantification of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol fatty acid esters (3-MCPDEs) and 2-monochloropropane-1,3-diol fatty acid esters (2-MCPDEs), and semi-quantification of glycidyl fatty acid esters (GEs) in edible oils. A central composite design was implemented to optimize the derivatization temperature and extraction time, which were 100 °C and 80 min, respectively. HS–SPME coupled with in-situ derivatization was more straightforward (three steps) and sensitive, with a limit of detection of 16% (3.9 µg/L) and 11% (5.3 µg/L) higher than that of liquid injection method, for 3-MCPD and 2-MCPD, respectively. The recoveries of 3-MCPD and 2-MCPD were in the range of 91.1% to 102.1%, with a relative standard deviation ranging from 0.08 to 9.29%. The validated methodology was successfully applied to oil samples. Further efforts will focus on shortening the extraction time, as 80 min is relatively long.

Revising degumming and bleaching processes of palm oil refining for the mitigation of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (3-MCPDE) and glycidyl esters (GE) contents in refined palm oil

Corresponding the high presence of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (3-MCPDE) and glycidyl esters (GE) in refined palm oil, this paper re-evaluated degumming and bleaching processes of physical palm oil refining to reduce the amount of said contaminants. Separation-free water degumming was incorporated into the process, and this significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the esters content without compromising other oil qualities. Different types of bleaching earth (BE) were dosed at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% to investigate their effects on the esters formation. Results showed that different type of BE had their own optimal dosage for minimum esters formation. Surface acidity was confirmed as the key performance determinant of BE in mitigation of 3-MCPDE and GE in oil rather than the porosity profile. Specifically, BE with high acidity should be avoided, but slightly acidic BE (pH ≃ 5) was found to provide the greatest reduction of esters as compared to natural and neutral activated BE.

Simultaneous determination of fatty acid esters 2-chloro-1, 3-propandiol(2-mcpd), 3-chloro-1,2- propandiol(3-mcpd) and glycidol in vegetable oils by gas chromatography mass spectrometry GC-MS/MS

The food contaminants including 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters have been a matter of great concern in the past few years due to their toxicity and their occurrence in numerous foods. Recently, significant amounts of the isomeric compounds 2-chloro-1,3-propanediol (2-MCPD) fatty acid esters have been detected in refined oil samples. Gas Chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectroscopy (MS) was used for the quantification of fatty acid esters of 2-Chloro-1,3-propandiol (2-MCPD), 3-Chloro-1,2- propandiol (3-MCPD) and glycidol in oil. Internal standards including 3-MCPD-ester-d5 (rac 1,2-bis-palmitoyl-3-chloropropanediol-d5), 2-MCPD-ester-d5 (1,3-Distearoyl-2- chloropropanediol-d5) and Glycidyl sterate-d5 were added to samples. Spiked samples were, then, incubated in NaBr/H2SO4 and H2SO4/MeOH solutions. They were, eventually, extracted with ethyl acetate and n-hexane solvents in order to convert Glycidyl esters to free MCPD and glycidol in samples before using phenylboronic acid derivative. The limit of quantitation was of 0.1 ppm (mg/kg). The recoveries at the concentration of 0.1 mg/kg ranged from 80 to 120% and the repeatability and reproducibility were less than 10%.

Effects of shortening and baking temperature on quality, MCPD ester and glycidyl ester content of conventional baked cake

The quality of a baked product can be greatly affected by the choice of shortening. However, a palm-based shortening can be contaminated by monochlropropanol (MCPD) ester and glycidyl ester (GE) as it is a product derived from a refined palm oil. MCPD esters and GE can be transferred into a baked product through further processing. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different palm-based shortening on the qualities of cake, MCPD esters and GE content during a conventional baking system. Commercial margarine, palm olein, palm mid-fraction, and soft and hard stearin were used in a cake recipe, baked at different baking temperatures (160, 180 and 200 °C) for 20 min. First, the quality characteristics of baked cake (moisture content, texture profile and surface color) was analysed. Second, the MCPD esters and GE content, acylglycerol composition and oxidation status of the fats portion from baked cake were investigated. The results showed soft stearin, palm olein and margarine delivered a similar volume, surface color, and texture to the finished product. An elevated baking temperature was detrimental to the quality characteristics of all the studied samples and delivered a finished product with extra hardness and low moisture. The free fatty acid content and specific extinction value showed that the fat portions were significantly oxidized at high baking temperatures. In addition, 2- and 3-MCPD esters were stable during baking, but GE showed that it was vulnerable to the heating process and constantly degrades when the baking temperature increased. In short, the finished products were in better quality (physical and texture properties) when lower baking temperature (160 °C) was used, especially when margarine, soft stearin and palm olein were used as the shortening. Hard stearin naturally contains lower MCPD esters and GE, but it was not able to provide similar qualities as compared to margarine sample.

A Feasible Industrialized Process for Producing High Purity Diacylglycerols with No Contaminants

Industrial production of high purity diacylglycerols (DAGs) is still a challenge around the world because of contaminant formation during DAG production, such as glycidyl esters (GEs), 3‐chloro‐1,2‐propanediol esters (3‐MCPDEs), and trans fatty acids (TFAs). This study develops a feasible industrialized process for producing high purity DAGs with no contaminants by combining enzymatic esterification, three‐stage molecular distillation, bleaching, and stream stripping deodorization. After immobilized SMG1‐F278N‐catalyzed esterification in a packed bed reactor at 30 °C, the product contains 50.87% DAGs, 32.82% monoacylglycerols (MAGs), and 16.31% FAs. The resultant DAGs are subsequently purified by a three‐stage molecular distillation at 150, 160, and 160 °C, respectively, followed by bleaching under vacuum (2 kPa) at 65 °C and deodorization under vacuum (100 Pa) at 160 °C. Contaminants containing GEs, 3‐MCPDEs, and TFAs are undetectable throughout the whole process of DAG preparation. The final DAG product contains 99.74% DAGs and shows good quality indices (peroxide value of 2.05 mmol kg−1 and undetectable acid value). Overall, this study proposes a new industrial strategy for the production of DAGs with high purity and quality, which may promote the re‐commercialization of DAGs in the near future.Practical Applications: DAGs were widely sold in Japan and America as healthy cooking oils owing to their health promoting properties, however, sales of DAGs were stopped after the detection of the potential carcinogen of GEs seriously exceeded the allowed value in DAGs. This study proposes a feasible industrialized process for producing high purity and quality DAGs with no contaminants including GEs, 3‐MCPDEs, and TFAs. The immobilized SMG1‐F278N that fills in packed bed reactor for DAG production can be used for at least a half year without significant loss in its esterification activity, indicating that the proposed process is an economical process. Overall, the proposed economical strategy may shed light for future production of edible, available, and safe DAGs.A feasible industrialized process for producing high purity diacylglycerols (DAGs) with no contaminants is proposed. Overall, the proposed economical strategy may shed light for future production of edible, available, and safe DAGs.

Verification and evaluation of monochloropropanediol (MCPD) esters and glycidyl esters in palm oil products of different regions in Malaysia

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to investigate on the effect of different sampling regions of palm-refined oils and fats on the 2- and 3-monochloropropanediol fatty acid esters (MCPDE) and glycidol fatty acid esters (GE) levels. The American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) Official Method Cd 29a-13 on the determination of MCPDE and GE in edible oils and fats by acid transesterification was successfully verified and optimised, with slight modification using 7890A Agilent GC system equipped with 5975C quadrupole detector. The determined limits of detection (LOD) for MCPDE were 0.02 mg kg-1 and 0.05 mg kg-1 for GE. The method performance has showed good recovery between 80% and 120% for all pertinent compounds with seven replicates assayed in three separate days. Round robin test with two European laboratories, i.e. Eurofins and SGS, has shown compliance results with those of the present study. Among the sampling regions, only one refinery located in the central region of Malaysia showed a significant increment of the MCPDE and GE levels after refining process. The GE level averaging at 2.5 mg kg-1 was slightly higher than that of 3-MCPDE averaging at 1.3 mg kg-1. Both esters were preferentially partitioned into the liquid phase rather than the solid phase after fractionation. However, the overall results exhibited no direct correlation between the esters content and the different sampling locations of the palm oil products in Malaysia. Analysis of total chlorine content also displayed significant variations between sampling locations which clearly show its effect on the chlorine content in the CPO samples.

Synthesis of aminoanthraquinone-containing structured-painted epoxy resins

The 1-aminoanthraquinone glycidyl ester (GEAA) obtained by reaction of N-alkylation of 1-aminoanthraquinone with epichlorohydrin was used in the synthesis of a structurally colored epoxy resin by co-polycondensation with with diphenylolpropane and epichlorohydrin. Structurally colored epoxy resin is a viscous liquid with a molecular weight of 400–1000, colored orange and soluble in organic solvents. The optimal amount of GEAA (from 0.1 to 0.5% wt.) is established, which provides high color intensity (molar extinction coeffi cient 0.16–1.38·104).

2-Monochloropropanediol (2-MCPD), 3-Monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD), and Glycidol in Infant and Adult/Pediatric Nutritional Formula: Single-Laboratory Validation, First Action 2018.12.

Background: Fatty acid esters of glycidol, 2-Monochloropropanediol (MCPD), and 3-MCPD are heat-induced foodborne processing contaminants with possible adverse health effects. These compounds occur frequently in refined edible oils. Consequently, glycidyl esters and 2- and 3-MCPD esters might also be present in foods that contain refined edible oils. Objective: This manuscript describes the single-laboratory validation of an analytical method for the quantitative determination of glycidol, 2-MCPD, and 3-MCPD present as fatty acid esters or as free 2- or 3-MCPD in infant and adult/pediatric nutritional formula. Methods: Technically, the presented method is based on the combination of a Heat-Ultrasound Pressure-supported Solvent Extraction and a GC-MS determination of glycidol, 2-MCPD, and 3-MCPD. From a chemical perspective, the method includes an alkaline catalyzed transesterification, conversion of the unstable glycidol into monobromopropanediol, and the parallel derivatization of all analytes with phenylboronic acid. Results: Validation results showed that method linearity for all analytes in powdered and liquid infant formula ranged from 0.9981 to 0.9999 (n = 18). Repeatability relative standard deviation values for concentration levels between 1.3 μg/kg and 331 μg/kg were in the range of 1 to 12%. Relative recoveries were found to be between 93 and 107%. The analytes were quantifiable down to 5-10 μg/kg in powdered samples and 1-2 μg/kg in liquid samples. Conclusions: The reported results met actual AOAC Standard Method Performance Requirements. Highlights: In terms of consumer protection, the presented method is a novel approach for the sensitive and accurate determination of glycidol, 2-MCPD, and 3-MCPD in infant formula and related foodstuffs.

Effect of Anti-Clouding Agent on the Fate of 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-Diol Esters and Glycidyl Esters in Palm Olein during Repeated Frying.

Issues on 3-monochloropropane-diol-1,2-diol (MCPD) esters and glycidyl esters in refined oil have gained much attention when these heat-induced contaminants are associated with health implications. Oil that undergoes the frying process could influence the fates of 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters, especially with the addition of an anti-clouding agent. In this study, we investigated the effect of polyglycerol fatty acid esters (PGE) on the transients of 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in palm olein (POo) during intermittent frying. Thermal resistance of POo fortified with PGE (0.1% to 0.4%) was assessed for 8 h of daily frying operations at 180 °C across five consecutive days. The addition of PGE decelerated the reduction of 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters with the progression of frying. The presence of these compounds coincided with the amount of oil taken up by the fried product. The inclusion of PGE in POo also induced higher augmentation of polar compound fractions, i.e., oxidised triacylglycerols (OxTAG) and polymerised triacylglycerols (PTAG), but gave comparable free fatty acid (FFA), p-anisidine value (AnV), total chloride and fatty acid composition (FAC) with control oil (POo). The results also showed that the presence of chloride in POo did not onset further formation of 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters throughout the frying period. As the behaviours of 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters were affected by PGE, only a sufficient amount should be added into POo to ensure oil clarity at a realistic period.

3-Chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD), 2-chloro-1,3-propanediol (2-MCPD) and glycidyl esters in infant formula: a review

Methods and survey results for the detection of monochloropropanediol (MCPD) esters and glycidyl esters in infant formula will be reviewed. These process-induced contaminants have been shown to be potentially carcinogenic and/or genotoxic, making their occurrence in foods a potential concern. The presence of MCPD and glycidyl esters in infant formula is of specific concern, due to infants’ low bodyweights and the potential that infant formula is the sole source of nutrition. Methods employing various approaches for the extraction and detection of these contaminants in infant formula will be reviewed, as will the results of occurrence studies and exposure estimates that have been conducted around the world.

Determination of Fatty Acid Profile and 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) Levels in Bakery Products

Thermally processed foods and refined oils are the most significant sources of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) fatty acid esters. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified 3-MCPD as a “possible human carcinogen (group 2B)” and the UK Food Advisory Committee has recommended reducing its level to minimum in foods. In this study, firstly the fatty acid contents of many foods such as cakes, biscuits, waffles, chocolates, cookies products consumed frequently in daily life were determined by GC-MS. Then, 3-MCPD esters formation was examined. The main fatty acids were determined as palmitic acid and stearic acid. The amounts of 3-MCPD esters were found to be between 0.06 and 0.60 mg kg-1, and the amounts of glycidyl esters were found to be between 0.07 and 8.80 mg kg-1.

Effects of chemical refinement on the quality of coconut oil.

Refinement is usually used to remove undesired components to improve coconut oil quality. In the present study, crude coconut oil (CCO) was refined in four stages: conventional degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization. Physiochemical indices during the refinement were evaluated: peroxide value (PV), free fatty acid (FFA), fatty acid composition; fat composition; triacylglycerol profile, micronutrient (e.g., tocopherols and sterols) and contaminant (e.g., 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (3-MCPD esters), and glycidyl esters (GEs) levels. Compared to CCO, the quality of refined oil was improved by reducing PV and FFA levels. No significant changes in triacylglycerol compositions were found during refinement. However, unsaturated fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acids were decreased after refinement. Also, some micronutrients like tocopherol and sterol were decreased from 12.39 to 0.10mg/kg and from 679.69 to 426.50mg/kg, respectively. The undesired contaminants, i.e., 3-MCPD esters and GEs, increased markedly during refinement.

Design and synthesis of ethoxylated esters derived from waste frying oil as anti-ultraviolet and efficient primary plasticizers for poly(vinyl chloride)

In this work, a series of novel bio-based plasticizers, including ethoxylated esters, methylated esters, and glycidyl esters, originated from waste frying oil (WFO), were prepared, characterized, and used as primary plasticizers for Poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC). The glass transition temperature, mechanical properties, transparency, UV resistance, thermal stability and migration resistance of plasticized PVC were investigated and compared with that of the PVC sample plasticized by the commercial dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP). It is found that all of those properties are significantly depended on the structures of ester groups. In particular, the esters bearing ethyoxyl units show better plasticization than that having methyl or glycidyl groups. In addition, the plasticizing efficiencies of WFO-derived ethoxylated esters are proportional to the number of ethyoxyl units in their structures. Among them, the anti-ultraviolet PVC sample plasticized by WFO-derived polyacid (triethylene glycol monomethyl ether) esters (WFOPA-3, “3” refers to the number of ethylene glycerol units in the feedstock of triethylene glycol monomethyl ether) with maximum ethyoxyl units exhibited the best plasticization, thermal stability, and transparency than the properties of other samples plasticized by WFO-based plasticizers, as well as petro-based DOTP. The results suggest WFOPA-3 is an attractive potential as alternative to DOTP.

Determination of 2- and 3-MCPD as well as 2- and 3-MCPD Esters and Glycidyl Esters (GE) in Infant and Adult/Pediatric Nutritional Formula by Gas Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry Method, First Action 2018.03.

Background: Monochloropropanediol (MCPD) and its fatty acid esters as well as glycidyl fatty acid esters are substances generated during oil refining or food processing. The free form released during digestion, 3-MCPD and glycidol, have shown adverse effects in animal studies. Objective: So far, the available analytical methods have not been validated in a collaborative study for infant and adult nutritional formulas. This manuscript describes a single-laboratory validation method in view of a future multilaboratory validation trial. Methods: The method described is for the direct determination of 2- and 3-MCPD and indirect determination of 2- and 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in infant and adult/pediatric nutritional formulas by GC coupled to MS. Results: The analytical range was found to be 4-2000 μg/kg powder formula and 0.7-333 μg/kg liquid formula for fatty acid esters of MCPD and glycidol, and 2.5-750 μg/kg samples for free MCPD. The recovery rates were within 91-124% for all samples. Repeatability precision was <20% at levels close to the LOQ. Conclusions: The results met the Standard Method Performance Requirements® (SMPR) set by the AOAC Stakeholder Panel on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals. Highlights: The AOAC Expert Review Panel approved the present method as AOAC Official First Action 2018.03.

Evaluation of Fatty Acid Waste in the Synthesis of Oligo(Ether-Ester)s

In this study, the waste of sunflower oil refinement was converted to a fatty acid glycidyl ester (FAGE). An unsaturated oligo(ether-ester) (OEE) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization using propylene oxide (PO) and FAGE. Oligo(ether-ester) production was achieved with a high yield of 80% at 5 h and 0°C when the mole ratio of PO : FAGE was 1 : 1. Synthesized OEE was characterized by FTIR and several chemical analysis methods. According to the TGA results, T5, T10, and T50 values of OEE-styrene copolymers increased up to a 7 : 3 mole ratio then decreased. The weight losses of these copolymers changed in the range of 3-5%. The data of longitudinal and transversal wave velocities showed that copolymers with styrene had better elastic properties and impact resistances compared to those with pure polystyrene.

Glycerol derived process contaminants in refined coconut oil induce cholesterol synthesis in HepG2 cells

Despite its 50-year history, the conventional diet-heart hypothesis holding that dietary saturated fats raise serum cholesterol, and with it, cardiovascular risk, remains controversial. Harsh chemical and physical treatment generates process contaminants, and refined oils raise serum and tissue cholesterol in vivo independent of saturated fat content. We developed an in vitro bioassay for rapidly assessing the influence of oils on cholesterol metabolism in the human liver HepG2 cell line, and tested it using coconut oil (CO) of various stages of refinement. CO was dissolved with dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) surfactant, solvent evaporated, and emulsified into fat-free cell culture media. After 24 h treatment cellular cholesterol and triacylglycerol increased; HMG-CoA Reductase (HMGCR) increased and CYP7A1 (cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase) decreased with sequential processing steps, deacidification, bleaching, deodorization, while fatty acid profiles were not affected. Glycerol-derived process contaminants glycidyl esters and monochloropropandiol (MCPD) increased with processing. Addition of glycidyl or MCPD to virgin CO (VCO) had similar effects to processing, while addition of phenolic antioxidants to fully refined CO reduced HMGCR and increased CYP7A1. We conclude that harsh processing creates contaminants that raise cholesterol levels in vitro, consistent with a role as a contributing atherosclerotic factor.