Chloropropanols are a class of compounds where the hydroxyl group(s) of glycerol substituted by chlorine. On the basis of the substitution position and number of chlorine, it can be divided into 2-chloro-1,3-propanediol (2-MCPD), 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD), 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) and 2,3-dichloro-1-propanol (2,3-DCP), of which the toxicity of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP has been widely recognized. Studies have shown that 3-MCPD can cause damage to kidney, testis, liver, nerve and immune system, while 1,3-DCP has clear carcinogenicity and potential genotoxicity.
Soy sauce, hydrolyzed vegetable protein and oily foods are considered to be at high risk of containing chloropropanols. In recent years, chloropropanols have also been detected in some food contact paper products worldwide, which has aroused great attention.
Studies have found that the main source of chloropropanols in food contact paper products is the by-product of polyamide epichlorohydrin resin (PAE), a wet strength agent commonly used in pulp production, where epichlorohydrin could be hydrolyzed to produce 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP. At present, the restriction of chloropropanols is becoming more and more stringent. The relevant regulations are summarized as follows:
| Country / Region | Regulation(s) |
|---|---|
| Germany | Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR) has stipulated in the recommendation document XXXVI on the risk of food contact paper and paperboard that 1,3-DCP shall not be detected in the water extract of paper and paperboard (the detection limit is 2 μg/L), and 3-MCPD shall not exceed 12 μg/L likewise. |
| South America | The MERCOSUR resolution GMC Res. No. 40/15 has stipulated the restriction of chloropropanols in food contact cellulose materials and articles, which is the same as the requirements of BfR. |
| Brazil | Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) sets the limit requirements by legislation for chloropropanol residues in paper and paperboard, which are the same as those of BfR. |
| China | GB 4806.8 National Food Safety Standard-Food Contact Paper and Paperboard Materials and Products (Exposure Draft) sets the same restriction requirements for 1,3-DCP and 3-MCPD as those of BfR. |
Market Surveillance:
| EU | China |
|---|---|
| Since 2020, Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has reported various cases of food contact paper products for containing excessive 3-MCPD, including paper straws, finger food plates and muffin molds, etc. All these non-compliant products are required to be withdrawn from the market or recalled from consumers | China has carried out the investigation of four chloropropanols in food contact paper products in 2021. The results showed 48.33% (58/120) of the samples exceeded the restriction requirements set in the upcoming revised national standard GB 4806.8. The detection rate was 71.67% (86/120), mainly 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP. |
At SGS we carry out food packaging testing and contact materials testing to ensure that your products comply with the appropriate regulations for food contact materials.
Please contact our Customer Service Team for more information!
To obtain a copy in PDF, please click here.
Units 303 & 305, 3/F, Building 22E,
Phase 3, Hong Kong Science Park,
Pak Shek Kok, New Territories,
Hong Kong, China