Palm Oil Industry Urged To Review China's Edible Oil Contaminant Control Standards
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Palm oil industry players are advised to review China's edible oil contaminant control standards following their implementation in September, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).
China began enforcing the national food safety standard GB 31664-2025 on Sept 2, which outlines control practices to reduce the formation of two types of contaminants in edible oils, namely 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (3-MCPDE) and glycidyl esters (GE).
MPOB director general Datuk Badrul Hisham Mohd said industry players must always be aware of developments in food safety standards in the international market to ensure that the products they produce continue to meet market needs and maintain consumer confidence.
The industry's ability to understand and adapt production practices to the evolving needs of the international market is an important aspect of maintaining the competitiveness of Malaysian palm oil.
"However, every development needs to be examined based on the scope and actual requirements of the established standards, not based on assumptions," he said in a statement here today.
Among the matters given attention in this standard are control practices to reduce the formation of 3-MCPDE and GE throughout the edible oil production process.
This includes the management of chlorinated compounds as well as temperature control and processing duration, particularly at the deodorisation stage, said MPOB.
For manufacturers of infant and young children's formula foods that use vegetable oil or fish oil, the standard also outlines the requirement to review the test report on 3-MCPDE and GE content.
"In this regard, palm oil industry players are advised to review the relevant standards, examine existing quality control and food safety practices, and communicate with importers and customers in China to obtain information regarding the requirements related to their respective products," he said.
MPOB will also continue to monitor the implementation of this standard and engage with the relevant authorities in China for further clarification.
The board said this effort is important to ensure industry players obtain accurate information, can make appropriate preparations and continue to maintain market confidence in the quality and safety of Malaysian palm oil.
For the record, GB 31664-2025 generally applies to refined vegetable oils and fish oils, and is not specifically aimed at palm oil or Malaysia.
Therefore, MPOB stated that a precise understanding of the scope and implementation of this standard is crucial to ensure the industry can take appropriate steps without causing unfounded concerns.
-- BERNAMA