Abstract:
Phthalates are one of the key contaminants that regulatory bodies of many European
Union (EU) countries monitor when controlling the food value chain to assure food
safety. This research aimed to identify potential sources and preventive measures of
phthalate contamination during VCO processing and ensure that the end product
complies with EU Standards. The main steps of coconut oil manufacturing were
identified and mapped with possible contaminating sources of plastic materials,
which were in direct contact with the raw material. The methods involved a
systematic 4M (man, machine, material, and method) analysis across the production
stages to identify potential contamination sources. Thirty-one phthalate-related
compounds were quantified in the final product using liquid chromatography-tandem
mass spectrometry before and after implementing corrective actions. Out of the 31
compounds analyzed in the final product, the Diethylhexyl phthalate, Dibutyl
phthalate, Diisononyl phthalate, Diethylhexyl adipate, Acetyltributylcitrat, and
Diisooctyl phthalate content before implementing the corrective measures were
1.457, 2.083, 0.62, 0.044, and 0.094 mg kg-1, respectively. After implementing the
corrective measures, such as replacing plastic components with certified phthalate
free materials and enhancing hygiene protocols, those values were 0.01, 0, 0, 0, and
0 mg kg-1, respectively. All the other analyzed compounds remained undetected
before and after implementing corrective actions. Potential sources of phthalate
contaminants identified in the raw material and VCO processing line included the use
of plastic crates for kernel collecting, plastic knife handles, covering dead ends with
stretch film roll, O-rings, nail polish, or any other personal cosmetic applications, and
rubber gloves used for kernel cutting and the final product handling. In conclusion,
potential phthalate-contaminating materials are utilized in VCO processing.
Replacement of such materials and hygiene improvement effectively reduces
phthalate contaminations to meet the EU regulatory standards.
