3-MCPD& GE

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3-MCPD& GE

What They Are and Why We Test for Them​

At Little Étoile®, your baby’s safety is our highest priority. That’s why we go beyond basic regulations to check for even the smallest impurities that could affect quality or wellbeing. Two such compounds we test for are called 3-MCPD esters (3-MCPDEs) and glycidyl esters (GEs) – trace by-products that can form naturally during the formula-making process.​

Where Do They Come From?​

When plant-based oils (used as a source of good fats in formulas) are heated during manufacturing, tiny amounts of 3-MCPDEs and GEs can form. These compounds aren’t added ingredients – they’re natural by-products created when oils are exposed to high temperatures as moisture is removed to make a safe, shelf-stable powder [1,2].​

Are They Harmful?​

Research in animals has shown that, at very high doses, 3-MCPDEs and GEs can be absorbed through the digestive system and may affect certain organs, such as the kidneys or reproductive system [3].​

However, there is no direct evidence of harm in humans. Studies show that people can absorb and break down 3-MCPD [4], but scientists are still studying its long-term effects. To stay on the safe side, international food authorities have introduced strict safety limits for infant and toddler formulas.​

WHAT ARE THE  SAFETY LIMITS?​

Global organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have set limits that ensure these compounds remain at extremely low, safe levels in baby formulas.​

Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI):​

  • WHO: 4 µg/kg body weight/day [5]​
  • EFSA: 2 µg/kg body weight/day [6]​
  • Maximum Levels (EU Regulation 2018/290):​3-MCPDE: 20 µg/kg body weight/day​
  • GE: 50 µg/kg body weight/day [7]​

These guidelines are based on extensive testing of infant formulas worldwide.​

WHAT HAVE  STUDIES FOUND

A large assessment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [8] reviewed 222 commercial infant formulas from major global manufacturers between 2013 and 2019.​
Average concentrations were:​

  • 3-MCPDEs: up to 0.95 µg/g of formula​
  • GEs: up to 0.37 µg/g of formula​

For a typical 3.5 kg baby consuming 100 g of powder daily, estimated exposures were about 27 µg/day of 3-MCPDEs and 10.5 µg/day of GEs.​
In some products, these intakes exceeded the most conservative safety limits, highlighting the need for stronger testing and quality control.​

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

At Little Étoile®, we never take chances when it comes to your little star’s health.​
We voluntarily test every single batch of our infant and toddler formulas for 3-MCPDEs and GEs through independent, accredited laboratories – even though this level of testing is not required in Australia.​

To see the products backed by these standards, explore our safety-tested milk formulas.

No product is ever released until test results confirm that it meets, and usually falls well below, international safety limits.​
By setting these higher standards, we make sure every tin delivers pure, safe, and trusted nutrition for your growing baby.​

It’s all part of our promise: science-led care, verified by quality, made with love.​

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