Mineral Hydrocarbons: MOSH and MOAH
In the Dynamic World of the Food Industry, Food Safety Is an Increasing Challenge. Mineral hydrocarbons, such as MOSH (Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons) and MOAH (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons), have caught the attention of regulatory bodies and consumers due to their potential harmful effects on health. This contamination, often caused by packaging and production processes, requires precise analysis to ensure product safety.
What Are MOSH and MOAH?
MOSH and MOAH are two types of hydrocarbons present in mineral oils.
MOSH are saturated hydrocarbons that can accumulate in the human body, particularly in fat tissue, the liver, and lymph nodes.
MOAH, on the other hand, contain aromatic hydrocarbons, which are especially concerning due to their potential carcinogenic properties.
These compounds can enter food through recycled materials, such as cardboard packaging and printing inks, or from lubricants and industrial processes involving mineral oils. Due to their potential harmfulness, there is an increasing call for their control and regulation in the food industry.
Figure 1: Foods that may be contaminated with MOSH and MOAH fractions.
Guidelines and Recommendations for MOSH and MOAH
Although there are no official legal limits for MOSH and MOAH in food within the European Union, various regulatory bodies have issued guidelines to ensure product safety.
German BfR Recommendation: The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has stated that food should not contain MOAH compounds due to their potential carcinogenic effects. While these recommendations are not legally binding, they are considered a key reference in the industry.
European Commission: In December 2022, the European Commission recommended that member states strengthen controls over MOSH and MOAH in food and collect data on their presence. These measures are paving the way for potential legal limits in the future.
The presence of MOSH and MOAH in the food industry presents a new challenge for food safety. Although official EU legal standards are still lacking, recommendations from the German BfR and the European Commission highlight the need for careful monitoring and analysis of these compounds. Regular monitoring of MOSH and MOAH in food and packaging is becoming a key step in ensuring product safety and protecting consumer health.
Given increasing consumer awareness and regulatory pressure, the food industry must recognize the importance of MOSH and MOAH analysis to maintain high quality standards and consumer trust.
Figure 2: Illustration of food contamination pathways.
MOSH and MOAH Analysis at Sample Control
Sample Control, a leading testing laboratory in Croatia, offers accredited methods for the analysis of MOSH and MOAH in food and food-contact materials (e.g., paper and cardboard).
Our technique combines liquid and gas chromatography with a flame-ionization detector (LC/GC-FID), enabling precise separation and detection of MOSH and MOAH compounds, even at very low concentrations. This approach provides detailed analysis to ensure the safety of your products.
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