Updated: 13 August 2026
In 2017, EFSA’s Scientific Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain concluded that the presence of glycidyl esters in food is of health concern and the presence of 3-MCPD and its fatty acid esters is of health concern in certain exposure scenarios and population groups. Maximum levels (ML) for glycidyl fatty acid esters (expressed as glycidol), and for the sum of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters (expressed as 3-MCPD) have been established in some commodities in Regulation (EU) 2023/915. These compounds may be formed during manufacture of hydrolysed vegetable protein and in fat/oil refining processes.
SPS Notification (G/SPS/N/EU/935) proposes to reduce the ML of glycidyl fatty acid esters and the sum of 3-MCDP and 3-MCDP fatty acid esters in fish oils and oils from other marine organisms destined for the production of baby food and processes cereal-based food for infants and young children.
This proposal has now been adopted by Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1825 of 29 July 2026 amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915.
