Key takeaways from Regulation (EU) 2026/1825 at a glance:
1. Maximum Levels for complementary foods
Sufficient data on occurrence in processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children is now available. Consequently, specific maximum limits (for products as placed on the market) have been established:
Sum of 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters (expressed as 3-MCPD): 50 µg/kg (applicable from 1 January 2027)
Glycidyl fatty acid esters (expressed as glycidol): 25 µg/kg (applicable from 1 January 2027)
2. Reductions for raw materials
The maximum levels for vegetable oils/fats, fish oils, and oils from other marine organisms intended for the production of complementary baby food have been lowered (applicable from 1 January 2027):
Sum of 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters: Reduced from 750 to 500 µg/kg
Glycidyl esters: Reduced from 500 to 250 µg/kg
3. Maximum Levels for composite Foods
For composite foods with a fat content > 5% containing added vegetable oils/fats, fish oils, and/or oils from other marine organisms:
Sum of 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters (expressed as 3-MCPD):
1,250 µg/kg of fat: When using products such as rapeseed, sunflower, soybean, palm kernel, or olive oil (consisting of refined olive oil and virgin olive oil).
2,500 µg/kg of fat: When using other vegetable fats and oils (including refined olive oil), fish oils, and oils from other marine organisms.
Glycidyl esters: 1,000 µg/kg of fat
4. Mixtures & Unknown Formulations
Mixtures: The mixing calculation rule applies; the total sum of 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters (expressed as 3-MCPD) in the mixture must not exceed the calculated content.
Unknown Formulations: If the precise composition is unknown, an absolute limit of 2,500 µg/kg of fat applies.
Note: Maximum levels apply directly to the declared or analytically determined fat fraction of the product.
Maximum Levels will apply from: 19 August 2026
Summary & Analytical Support
Manufacturers of baby foods and fatty foodstuffs should update their raw material specifications and testing schedules promptly.
Rapid Testing: We analyse 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in food within 1–3 working days as standard.
Fully Automated Methodologies: Our automated analytical systems ensure maximum efficiency, reproducibility, and compliance across your entire supply chain.
