Occurrence of glycidyl esters in infant formula products on the Canadian market between 2015 and 2019.

Glycidyl fatty acid esters (GEs) are processing contaminants formed during refining steps of vegetable oils. 'In vivo' hydrolysis of GEs releases potentially carcinogenic and genotoxic glycidol (2,3-epoxy-1-propanol). Occurrence of GEs in vegetable oils used for infant formula manufacturing may pose a potential health concern for formula-fed infants. Refined oils are commonly used as the main fat ingredient in formula manufacturing. For this study, different infant formula products (powders, concentrates and ready-to-feed formula products) were purchased and analysed in 2015 (35 samples) and 2019 (33 samples). Seven individual GEs were analysed by LC-MS/MS via direct approach by stable isotope dilution analysis, and total bound glycidol concentrations were calculated. Concentrations of bound glycidol in reconstituted formula reached maxima of 40.3 ng/g in the 2015 samples and 31.5 ng/g in the samples collected in 2019, with respective means of 8.7 ng/g and 6.7 ng/g. The analysed bound glycidol concentrations are comparable with concentration ranges from other studies, but are higher than observed in studies from the European market. Temporal trend data show a reduction of bound glycidol concentrations in 2019. GE concentrations were compared across different manufacturers.

Occurrence of 2- and 3-monochloropropanediol esters (MCPDE) in infant formula products on the Canadian market between 2015 and 2019.

2- and 3-monochloropropanediol esters (MCPDEs) are most commonly formed as process-induced contaminants during the refinement of vegetable oils used for food production. 'In vivo' hydrolysis of 3-MCPDEs releases the potential carcinogen 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD). Levels of MCPDEs in infant formula are of particular concern, as refined oils are commonly used as main fat ingredients. For this study, infant formula samples (powders, liquid concentrates and ready-to-feed infant formula samples) from the Canadian market were purchased and analysed in 2015 (35 samples) and 2019 (33 samples). MCPDE concentrations (expressed as free MCPD equivalents) were examined through an indirect analytical approach, applying acid-catalysed ester cleavage and using cyclohexanone as derivatising agent. Labelled diesters were used as internal standards. 2015 Survey data were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in selected ion monitoring mode (SIM). 2019 Survey data were analysed with an updated method using GC-MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring modes (MRM). In 2015, levels in reconstituted formula ranging from 3.7 ng/g to 111 ng/g for 3-MCPD and 2.2 ng/g to 56.2 ng/g for 2-MCPD were found. In 2019, levels ranging from 3.9 ng/g to 74.8 ng/g for 3-MCPD and 1.0 ng/g to 33.9 ng/g for 2-MCPD were found. A significantly reduced mean of combined MCPDEs was observed between 2015 and 2019 data (64.5 ng/g, standard deviation (SD) 8.6 ng/g in 2015 to 31.8 ng/g, SD 5.6 ng/g in 2019, p-value = 0.024). For the majority of manufacturers, the data comparison among brand products over time shows decreased levels of MCPDEs. Occurrence data of MCPDEs, including data from previously published surveys (2012/2013), were also compared and a temporal trend was established.

Efficacy of "High in" Nutrient Specific Front of Package Labels-A Retail Experiment with Canadians of Varying Health Literacy Levels.

BACKGROUND: In 2018, Health Canada, the Federal department responsible for public health, put forward a regulatory proposal to introduce regulations requiring a "High in" front-of-package label (FOPL) on foods that exceed predetermined thresholds for sodium, sugars, or saturated fat. This study evaluated the efficacy of the proposed FOPL as a quick and easy tool for making food choices that support reduction in the intakes of these nutrients. METHODS: Consumers (n = 625) of varying health literacy levels (HL) were assigned to control (current labeling with no FOPL) or one of four FOPL designs. They completed six shopping tasks, designed to control for internal motivations. Efficacy was measured with correct product selection and response time (seconds) to make food choices using repeated measures statistical modeling, adjusting for HL, task type, and task order. Eye-tracking and structured interviews were used to gather additional insights about participants' choices. RESULTS: Overall, FOPL was significantly more effective than current labeling at helping consumers of varying HL levels to identify foods high in nutrients of concern and make healthier food choices. All FOPL were equally effective. CONCLUSIONS: "High in" FOPL can be effective at helping Canadians of varying HL levels make more informed food choices in relation to sugars, sodium, and saturated fat.