Survey of chloropropanols in soy sauces and related products

A survey of soy sauces and related products available in the USA was conducted to determine the levels of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) in these products. Fifty-five retail samples were purchased and analysed for 3-MCPD. 3-MCPD determinations were made according to a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method validated by a collaborative trial. Eighty-five per cent of the samples analysed contained greater than the detection limit of 0.005 ppm (microg g(-1)) for 3-MCPD. Thirty-three per cent contained greater than 1 ppm; the highest level was 876 ppm 3-MCPD. Thirty-nine of the samples analysed for 3-MCPD also were analysed for 1,3-DCP by using a modified method developed and validated in-house. Fifty-six per cent of the samples analysed for 1,3-DCP contained greater than the detection limit of 0.055 ppb (ng g(-1)) for 1,3-DCP; the highest level was 9.8 ppm 1,3-DCP. Products manufactured in Asia contained the highest chloropropanol levels.