3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) in soy and oyster sauces: Occurrence and dietary intake assessment

A continuous national monitoring program is performed to monitor the levels of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) in both soy and oyster sauces and to assess the dietary intake of 3-MCPD by the general Singapore consumers from sauces. The program involved the requisition of laboratory reports on the 3-MCPD levels in the sauces from importers before importation as well as sampling of sauces at the point of import and at domestic manufacturers for the analysis of 3-MCPD. Out of the 421 soy and oyster sauce samples monitored between January 2000 and April 2002, 376 samples (89.3%) contained 3-MCPD levels at or below the national maximum limit of 0.02 mg/kg. The upper bound average 3-MCPD concentration of all the sauces was 0.45 mg/kg. The estimated average daily dietary intake of 3-MCPD from sauces based on the national maximum limit and based on the upper bound average 3-MCPD level found in the monitoring program were calculated and compared with the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 2 μg/kg body weight. The average daily intake of 3-MCPD by Singapore consumers from sauces was below the TDI and this indicates that there is no health risk associated with the intake of 3-MCPD from sauces. However, consideration has to be taken into account the total 3-MCPD intakes from all food sources in the diet.