NewsLetter

What are MOSH and MOAH?

MOSH (Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons) and MOAH (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons) are chemical compounds that are commonly found in mineral oil. MOSH consists of saturated hydrocarbons, while MOAH consists of aromatic hydrocarbons. Both these compounds are often found in food products and food packaging. Although generally considered non-toxic in small amounts, their presence in food and beverages is a concern due to potential long-term health effects that are not fully understood. 

Strict surveillance and regulation are needed to minimise consumer exposure to MOSH and MOAH to safeguard public health.

What are the requirements for MOSH and MOAH?

In foods, the EU Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (April 21, 2022) sets the total concentration of MOAH to includes MOAH fractions ≥C10 to ≤C50:

• 5 mg/kg for dry foods with low fat/oil content (≤ 4% fat/oil)
• 1 mg/kg for foods with higher fat/oil content (>4% fat/oil, ≤50% fat/oil)
• 2 mg/kg for fat/oil or foods with >50% fat/oil

Whereas GMP+ Specific Feed Safety Limit for the Animal Feed Sector states the rejection limit for Mineral oil hydrocarbons (C10-C40):

400 mg/kg in animal fats (excl. crude fish oil=3000mg/kg); vegetable oils and fats (excl. sunflower oil=1000mg/kg and distillate); and vegetable oils and fats (excl. sunflower oil=1000mg/kg and distillate). sunflower oil=1000 mg/kg and its distillates/acid oils/fatty acids.