Effect of hydrogenation of palm oil products spiked with octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on dioxin congener profiles and toxic equivalent levels

Between 1999 and 2020, there were twelve rapid alerts on dioxins in palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) products, six of which associated with hydrogenated distillates (HPFADs). In oil refineries for food feed, refined PFADs can be processed into HPFADs. This study investigated the effect hydrogenation products contain OCDD impact profiles toxic equivalent (TEQ) level. Palm spiked octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) at different pressures, temperatures, catalyst conditions. Initially, concentrations lower-chlorinated dioxin congeners, some a higher equivalency factor, increased. Consequently, TEQ levels increased exceeded regulatory limit. However, further extended dechlorination resulting decreased levels. Optimisation process is required to reduce risk exceeding limits dioxins.