The European Union has imposed stringent regulations, specifying maximum allowable concentrations of these compounds in food products. In the oil matrix, the compounds are partially present in their ester form. The analysis requires transesterification and derivatization.

The GERSTEL 3-MCPD Sample Prep Solution enables automated determination of 3-MCPD, Glycidol and 2-MCPD following ISO 18363-1, AOCS Cd 29c-13, and DGF C-VI 18 (10), known as the “indirect” methods due to the indirect determination of glycidol. These are the most frequently used methods world-wide and they are practically identical. 24 samples can be processed in 24 hours, based on 48 GC-MS(/MS) analysis runs, two runs per sample.

Additional automated analysis systems are available from GERSTEL for:

• Method ISO 18363-3, AOCS Cd 29a-13, known as the “Unilever” method, which requires a 16h reaction period at sub-ambient temperature.
• The Zwagerman method, which offers faster analysis and relies on isotope dilution for improved quality control without the need for evaporation or centrifugation.

GERSTEL MPS configurations are available as WorkStation independent of the analysis system or as complete automated analysis system that also performs introduction of the prepared extract to the GC-MS(/MS).

The GERSTEL mVAP evaporates solvent and excess derivatization reagent from up to 6 samples in one batch under controlled vacuum, temperature and agitation for lower limits of determination. Removing residual derivatization reagent by GC column backflush, further improves GC-MS(/MS) system stability and shortens analysis time.

GERSTEL quickMIX performs extremely efficient mixing for extraction of up to 6 samples in one batch with mixing power comparable to vortex mixers.

Sample Prep and analysis can be performed in parallel (PrepAhead) for optimized system productivity and throughput. As soon as a sample is prepared, the MPS introduces it to the GC-MS(/MS) ensuring that all samples are processed in exactly the same way for improved reproducibility and quality of results. The control software is fully integration.  One method and one sequence table controls both sample preparation and GC-MS/(MS) analysis for the three commonly used methods types.

• AOCS Cd29a-13/ ISO18363-3. GERSTEL AppNote 217: Fully Automated Determination of 3-MCPD & Glycidol in Edible Oils & Fats based on the AOCS Cd 29a-13 Method
• Sample Prep Solution for AOCS Cd29c-13/ ISO18363-1. Fully Automated Determination of 3-MCPD and Glycidol in Edible Oils by GC/MS Based on the Commonly Used Methods ISO 18363-1, AOCS Cd 29c-13, and DGF C-VI 18 (10).
• Zwagerman method / DIN EN ISO 18363-4:2021-11 GERSTEL has multiple users in leading contract laboratories that automate this method. Please contact your GERSTEL representative for more information.