3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (3-MCPDE) are food processing contaminants formed primarily during the high-temperature refining of edible oils. Their potential carcinogenic effect has led to increasing concern among health authorities and consumers. Conventional detection methods such as gaschromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) provide high accuracy but are often costly, labour-intensive and unsuitable for rapid or on-site analysis. In recent years, alternative approaches including spectroscopic, electrochemical and optical biosensing techniques have emerged as faster and more accessible tools for 3-MCPDE detection. This review explores the formation pathways of 3-MCPDE and critically examines both traditional and emerging analytical techniques, comparing their performance, advantages and limitations. The integration of nanomaterials, data-driven models and sensor miniaturisation is also discussed as a promising direction toward developing portable, cost-effective tools for safer food production and regulatory compliance.