As consumers become increasingly concerned about food safety, one emerging issue is the contamination of food with Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOH). These substances can be found in everyday food products, often originating from packaging materials or unsafe production processes.
What Are MOH, MOSH, and MOAH?
MOH refers to a group of chemical compounds derived from petroleum refining. They are divided into two main categories:
- MOSH: Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons
- MOAH: Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons
These substances can enter the food supply chain through various sources, making them a growing concern for food safety authorities.
Sources of Contamination
Contamination can occur at multiple stages of the supply chain from production to packaging. Common sources include:
- Lubricants used in machinery
- Pesticides, rubber debris, and environmental pollutants
- Seed bags coated with mineral oil
- Printing inks, adhesives, and coatings used in food packaging
Products Commonly Affected
Studies have shown that foods high in fat or those that undergo extensive processing are more likely to be contaminated. These include:
- Vegetable oils and rice bran oils
- Chocolate, infant formula, and dairy products
- Breakfast cereals, ready-to-eat meals, and canned seafood
These products often use packaging that involves printing or chemical coatings, which can be a source of MOH contamination.
Health Impacts
Long-term consumption of foods contaminated with MOSH and MOAH can pose serious health risks:
- MOSH: Tends to accumulate in the body and is difficult to eliminate, potentially affecting the liver and lymphatic system.
- MOAH: Has carcinogenic properties and may cause genetic mutations.
Relevant Laws and Regulations
To mitigate these risks, several European countries have introduced strict regulations:
- EU Regulation 2017/84: Recommends regular testing of MOH in food and packaging.
- AGRINFO (June 2025): Highlights upcoming EU legislation targeting MOAH.
- French Circular Economy Law (2025): Limits the use of MOSH and MOAH in printing inks and food packaging.
EU Maximum Limits (LOQs)
To protect consumers, the European Union has set maximum allowable levels of MOH in food:
- 0.5 mg/kg for dry foods with low fat/oil content (≤ 4%)
- 1 mg/kg for foods with fat/oil content greater than 4%
- 2 mg/kg for pure fats/oils — this is the maximum allowable limit
If MOAH levels exceed these limits, EU member states are required to recall the affected products from the market. The final regulation is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Recommendations for Producers and Exporters
To prepare and reduce the risk of MOH contamination, manufacturers and exporters should:
- Carefully inspect the sources of raw materials and packaging
- Choose safe, certified packaging materials, such as those compliant with FSSC 22000 Packaging or BRCGS Packaging
- Improve production processes to minimize the use of high-risk chemicals
- Closely monitor updates on regulations and legal requirements to stay competitive in export markets
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
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