Automated methods for the determination of 2-and 3-monochloropropa- nediol (MCPD) esters and glycidyl esters in milk powder products by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and risk assessment

The development and validation of an automated method for sample preparation and detection by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) for the analysis of 2-/3-monochloropropanediol esters (2-/3-MCPDE) and glycidyl esters (GE) in milk powders was performed. For 2-MCPDE, 3-MCPDE, and GE in milk powder, the limits of detection (LODs) were 0.5 mu g/kg, 0.5 mu g/kg, and 0.8 mu g/kg, respectively. The average recoveries varied from 91.7 % to 111.3 %, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) ranged from 2.6 % to 9.9 %. A total of 77 milk powders were analyzed by the validated method. The concentrations of 2-MCPDE, 3-MCPDE, and GE in milk powders ranged from not detected (n.d.) to 65.0 mu g/kg, n.d. to 149.5 mu g/kg, and n.d. to 35.5 mu g/ kg, respectively. The exposure assessment showed that the average milk powder consumption among the populace for 3-MCPDE and GE is considered a low health concern. However, high consumption (P95) may pose a potential risk to the health of 0-6 months infants.