Mineral oil (MOSH/POSH and MOAH) content in food

Determination of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) with polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons (POSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) from foodstuff.

The results are reported as the concentrations of groups of MOSH/POSH and MOAH, with grouping based on the number of carbon atoms in the substances.

The concern with mineral oils in food is mainly focused on MOAH, which are possibly genotoxic carcinogens. In a 2022 summary report, the EU Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed set the following maximum concentrations for the sum of MOAH:

• 0.5 mg/kg for dry foods with a low fat/oil content (≤ 4% fat/oil)

• 1 mg/kg for foods with a higher fat/oil content (> 4% fat/oil)

• 2 mg/kg for fats/oils

EU member states have agreed to withdraw and, if necessary, recall products from the market when MOAH levels exceed the above limits.