Comparison of indirect and direct quantification of esters of monochloropropanediol in vegetable oil

► We developed a direct method for MCPD esters quantitation by LC-ToF-MS in edible oil. ► Analytical standards were chosen rationally based on theoretical calculation. ► 2- and 3-MCPD were also determined by indirect method using acid-hydrolysis and GC-MS. ► Direct and indirect methods gave similar results analyzing 29 palm oil/olein samples.