Exposure risk assessment of 3-chloropropanol esters in 0-3 aged infants

Objective To analyze the chloropropanol monoesters (MCPD esters) levels in the infant formulas available in Hangzhou market from 2017 to 2019, and to assess the exposure risk of MCPD esters for 0-3 years infants. Methods Concentrations of 3-MCPD esters and 2-MCPD esters in the infant formulas were determined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 3-MCPD esters exposure risk in target population was assessed by the level of 3-MCPD esters in infant formulas and the consumption recommendation from diatery guideline. Results The 3-MCPD esters and 2-MCPD esters contamination existed in all infant formulas samples; the median and P97.5 daily dietary exposure of 3-MCPD esters were 0.46-2.50 and 0.87-4.30 μg/kg BW, account for 23.0%-125.0% and 43.5%-215.0% of the tolerable daily intake (TDI, 2 μg/kg BW per day) respectively. For infants aged 0-6 months, the high intake levels (P97.5) of 3-MCPD esters were above TDI. Conclusion The levels of 3-MCPD esters in infant formulas sold in Hangzhou may pose a potential risk. Infants aged 0-6 months had higher exposure level than other age groups