Mineral oils in food consist of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons. The saturated hydrocarbons are abbreviated as MOSH ("mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons") and the aromatic hydrocarbons are abbreviated as MOAH ("mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons").

These mineral oil components can enter food because recycled paper, which contains newspaper, is used for the production of cardboard. The mineral oil components of the newspaper inks cannot be removed during the recycling process. Other possible sources of mineral oil entry into food include lubricants and separating agents used for food manufacturing equipment, as well as exhaust gases from harvesting machines. It is assumed that mainly dry foods with a large surface area, such as flour, semolina, or rice, are affected.

Through the network within the Tentamus Group, BAV offers the analysis of MOSH/MOAH in food. For this analysis, we have highly qualified partner laboratories at our side to provide you with reliable results.

 

Source: www.bfr.bund.de