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Effects of Degumming and Bleaching on 3-MCPD Esters Formation During Physical Refining

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Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society

Abstract

Crude palm oil (CPO) was physically refined in a 200-kg batch pilot refining plant. A study of the possible role of degumming and bleaching steps in the refining process for a possible critical role in the formation of 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) esters was evaluated. For the degumming step, different percentages of phosphoric acid (0.02–0.1%) as well as water degumming (2.0%) were carried out. Six different types of bleaching clays, mainly natural and acid activated clays were used for bleaching process at a fixed dose of 1.0%. Deodorization of the bleached oils was performed at 260 °C for 90 min. Analyses showed that 3-MCPD esters were not detected in the CPO. Phosphoric acid degumming (0.1%) in combination with acid activated clays produced the highest levels (3.89 ppm) of 3-MCPD esters in the refined (RBD) oil. The esters were at the lowest levels (0.25 ppm) when the oil was water degummed and bleached with natural bleaching clays. However, the refined oil qualities were slightly compromised. Good correlation of 0.9759 and 0.9351 was obtained when concentration of the esters was plotted against acidity of the bleaching earths for the respective acid and water degumming processes. The findings revealed the contribution of acidic conditions on the higher formation of 3-MCPD esters. In order to lower the esters formation, it is important to reduce acid dosage based on the crude oil qualities or to find alternatives to acid degumming process. Neutralization of the acidity prior to deodorization was effective in reducing the formation of 3-MCPD esters.

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Acknowledgments

The research team wishes to sincerely acknowledge the Director-General of MPOB for permission to carry out the work and subsequently published this research effort. Special appreciations are dedicated to the High Oleic Pilot Plant operators, Innovative Products Group and Food Safety Laboratory staff for the operation of the pilot plant and analyses of the samples, respectively.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Analytical and Quality Development Unit, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), No. 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000, Kajang, Selangor D.E., Malaysia

    Muhamad Roddy Ramli, Wai Lin Siew, Nuzul Amri Ibrahim & Rabeaah Hussein

  2. Food Safety and Codes of Practice Certification Unit, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), No. 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000, Kajang, Selangor D.E., Malaysia

    Ainie Kuntom & Raznim Arni Abd. Razak

  3. Product Development and Advisory Services Division, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), No. 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000, Kajang, Selangor D.E., Malaysia

    Kalanithi Nesaretnam

Authors
  1. Muhamad Roddy Ramli
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  2. Wai Lin Siew
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  3. Nuzul Amri Ibrahim
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  4. Rabeaah Hussein
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  5. Ainie Kuntom
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  6. Raznim Arni Abd. Razak
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  7. Kalanithi Nesaretnam
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Correspondence to Wai Lin Siew.

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Ramli, M.R., Siew, W.L., Ibrahim, N.A. et al. Effects of Degumming and Bleaching on 3-MCPD Esters Formation During Physical Refining. J Am Oil Chem Soc 88, 1839–1844 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-011-1858-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-011-1858-0

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