Infant formula is an exclusive diet that offers the requisite nutrients for infants up to 6
months prior to the introduction of solids in their diet. Vegetable oils in infant formulas
that serve as a source of fat could be contamination of monochloropropanediols (MCPD)
and glycidol. The toxicity of MCPD and glycidol was highlighted in several studies
implied health risk for exposed children, especially with their low body weight. This paper
reviewed the occurrence of MCPD and glycidyl esters in infant formulas marketed in
various countries, including risk assessment and associated estimated dietary exposure.
From the selected studies published between 2015 to 2019, the presence of the
contaminants was detected, but their concentrations decreased over the years indicating a
low potential health risk to infants. These have been linked to the success of the vegetable
oil producers' implementation of mitigation strategies. The paper also discusses the infant
formula market in Malaysia, as well as the association of the use of palm oil in infant and
follow-up formula in the Malaysian market. As one of the largest producers and exporters
of palm oil and palm oil by-products, Malaysia is taking serious steps and the mitigation
strategies it is exercising to reduce the level of MCPD and glycidol to comply with the
regulation proposed by the European Commission. However, more studies are needed to
gain a clearer view of the association between the use of palm oil in infant formulas and
the occurrence of MCPD esters and glycidols, as well as their risk assessment.
Monochloropropanediols (MCPD) esters and glycidyl esters (GE) in infant formulas and challenges of palm oil industry in Malaysia: a review
