Clariant's bleaching earth solutions lower 3-MCPD values in edible oils

The specialty chemicals major, Clariant, demonstrated the development of bleaching earth solutions to lower 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) values in edible oils and fats at the oils+fats 2013 trade event in Munich, Germany.  Concern over the health risks posed by 3-MCPD has been acknowledged by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – and a number of senior institutes are actively researching the presence of 3-MCPD in fully refined edible oils and fats, such as margarine, oil for frying, nougat spread and infant formula.

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Markus Schmidl, Head of Sales EMEA, Segment Purification, BU Functional Minerals at Clariant, said, “As one of the leading suppliers to the industry, we began to see how throughout the industry, and especially in Germany and parts of Middle and Northern Europe, customers are looking to reduce the amount of potentially toxic 3-MCPD in edible oils and fats.”
 
As a result of a significant investment programme, and building on the extensive experience of the company’s global R&D facilities, Clariant has introduced 4 new grades of bleaching earth. Designed for specific applications, these grades are able to effect improved reductions in 3-MCPD of up to 30%, when compared to standard rates.
 
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Dr Klaus Schurz, Product Manager Bleaching Earths EMEA, BU Functional Minerals, Clariant, said, “Clariant is working very closely with renowned customers to develop application-specific solutions. This has given us unprecedented insight into the issues and possible solutions. In fact, Clariant is represented in a project of the German Food Industry to reduce 3-MCPD esters as well as glycidyl esters in fully refined edible oils and fats.”