3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol, glycidol, their fatty esters, and mineral oil hydrocarbons in baby food on the Belgian market and risk assessment.

3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol, its fatty acid esters, glycidol and its fatty acid esters, and mineral oil saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons, being harmful compounds, can be present in certain ingredients of baby food products, but little information is available on their occurrence. A risk-based sampling plan was developed, resulting in the analysis of 91 samples of baby food and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children. Of these samples, 12% were above the limit of quantification (LOQ) for MCPD and MCPDE, averaging 17.6 µg/kg. For glycidol and GE, only four samples were above the LOQ, with a mean level of 10.2 µg/kg and 16% of the samples tested positive for MOAH. "Rusks and biscuits" and "snacks" showed the most contamination with MCPD, MCPDE, glycidol and GE, while "simple cereals (100% cereals)" were mostly contaminated with only MOAH. Risk assessment showed that exposure to the studied contaminants is of concern.