The aim of the focus action was to provide an overview with regard to exposure to 2-monochloropropanediol (2-MCPD), 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) and their fatty acid esters (MCPD-E) as well as glycidyl fatty acid esters (GE) and other selected contaminants and residues (lead, cadmium, mercury, chlorate, perchlorate, deoxynivalenol, 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol, 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol, ni-valenol, zearalenone) in infant formulae and follow-on formulae. In addition, the additives used were surveyed. 67 samples from all over Austria were examined.

• No sample was objected to

Free MCPD (3- and 2-monochloropropanediol) and their fatty acid esters as well as glycidyl fatty acid esters are mainly formed during the production of vegetable fats and oils. 3-MCPD is considered to be possibly carcinogenic to humans. Glycidyl fatty acid esters are broken down in the body, releasing glycidol. This substance is considered a probable carcinogen and mutagen. Since March 19, 2018, maximum levels for glycidyl fatty acid esters, expressed as glycidol, have applied to infant formula and follow-on milk.