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Mar 23, 2026 - Foods
New regulatory measures on MOAH in food
In May 2026, a groundbreaking decision regarding the regulation of Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) in food is pending at the EU level. On May 13, the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SC PAFF), in the section "Novel Food and Toxicological Safety of the Food Chain," will discuss a draft to amend Regulation (EU) 2023/915. The aim is to establish binding maximum levels for MOAH for the first time, thus closing an existing regulatory gap.
The proposal aims to create a harmonized legal framework within the EU. At the same time, the current "Joint Statement" of April 21, 2022, is to be gradually replaced. This had so far only defined determination limits above which foods are considered unsafe according to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002. In the future, the new maximum levels would serve as the basis for official enforcement actions immediately after a positive vote.
The introduction of the limit values is planned in stages and is to be implemented from 2027, taking transitional periods into account. Nevertheless, there is already increased pressure to act on the food industry. Companies need to review and, if necessary, adapt their production processes - particularly regarding raw materials, packaging materials, and potential sources of entry for mineral oil components. At the same time, requirements for analytics, monitoring, and quality assurance are increasing.
The planned regulation could thus have far-reaching implications for the entire food chain - from manufacturers to processors to retailers. Experts believe that companies with complex supply chains, in particular, will face challenges in implementing the new requirements on time.
Against this backdrop, the reliable analysis of MOSH/MOAH in food is gaining increasing importance. Specialized laboratories offer corresponding investigations to support companies in complying with future limit values and identifying risks at an early stage.
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