LWV25007 CP-forecast: Managing 3-MCPD formation during Oil Refinement through PCA Source Detection (TS-02-216-027)

Polychlorinated alkanes (PCAs), predominant component of chlorinated paraffins (CPs), are high production volume lubricants and flame retardants used on a million-ton scale world-wide. Depending on their carbon chain length, PCAs are suspected to be carcinogenic, hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic and may therefore be harmful to human health after consumption. They were found in high levels in several edible oil and fat samples from the European market78910. To date, no maximum levels have been laid down in European Union law for the presence of polychlorinated alkanes or chlorinated paraffins in food or feed. However, it is expected that from 2026, a new Commission Recommendation for the monitoring of PCAs in food will come in force; and that depending on the outcome of this monitoring, additional regulatory actions may follow.
A recent study has shown a significant link between PCAs in crude oils and increased levels of 3-monochloropropanediols (3-MCPDs) in the refined product11. 3-MCPDs are known carcinogens and are strictly regulated in fats and oils12.
This project proposes to engage the topic of PCAs and MCPDs in three ways:
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Prevention: Mapping possible sources of PCAs in the crude vegetable oil production by collecting information on the production steps, identifying likely sources, and confirming the findings by analysis of such materials collected by the partners.
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Understanding: Investigating the fate of PCAs in crude oils during oil refinement through a lab-scale test, where samples of the different refinement steps and waste products are analysed for their PCA levels.
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Mitigation: Establishing the potential relationship between PCA and MCPDs by collecting paired samples from consortium partners and analysing the refined samples from the lab-scale test for 3-MCPD content. With the paired results of the PCA and MCPD analyses, an analytical model will be built to determine acceptable PCA levels in the crude vegetable oil.
The aim of this project is to identify possible sources of polychlorinated alkane (PCA) contamination, their fate in the oil refinement processes, and to establish an analytical model that can provide acceptable PCA levels for crude products that will not lead to non-compliant 3-MCPD levels in the refined oil. This will further the overall goal to ensure safe and healthy food for consumers in the Netherlands and beyond.