Mitigation of MCPD-ester and glycidyl-ester levels during the production of refined palm oil

In recent years, process contaminants called MCPD and glycidyl esters have been found to be present in refined edible oils. On average, they have been found in higher levels in refined palm oils than typical seed-oil crops. The reasons behind the increased occurrence of these contaminants in palm oils have now been traced all the way back to raw materials such as crude palm oil. This manuscript attempts to summarize some recent breakthroughs in the area of mitigation of MCPD-ester and glycidyl-ester levels during refined palm oil production. It is clear that renovation of the palm oil production process is necessary to further improve the quality and safety of this important commodity.