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Sep 9, 2019 - Foods

Ökotest: Parmesan – high mineral oil contents

In the September 2019 issue of Öko-Test, 16 types of Parmigiano Reggiano were tested, four of which were organic products. The following test parameters were examined:

• Mineral oil components

MOSH consists of saturated hydrocarbons from mineral oil. Contamination during the production process through lubricants could lead to its transfer into the cheese. Other possibilities include transfer during the sealing of packaging or contamination from the environment.

Strongly or very strongly increased levels of mineral oil components were found in ten Parmesan products.

• Fatty acid pattern

All products – both organic and conventional – showed high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, indicating a high proportion of green fodder. However, soybean can also be fed as a protein source, which may be genetically modified.

• Sensory properties (appearance, consistency, smell, taste)

Two cheeses were rated as “satisfactory” due to their bitter and musty taste.

• Animal husbandry

The assessment included factors such as whether the animals have access to pasture or a run, whether tie-stalls are used, whether the animals are dehorned – often without anesthesia – and whether calves are separated from the mother after birth.

• Additional test parameters: microbiological quality, fat content, feed-derived molds

Frequent downgrades or unsatisfactory ratings occurred particularly because:

• Four products showed very strongly increased levels of MOSH/MOSH analogs with chain lengths C17 to C35 of more than 4 mg/kg.
• Most cheeses received only “sufficient” or “poor” ratings regarding animal husbandry and transparency, as, for example, supply chains were not documented or only incompletely, cows are dehorned, or there is no access to pasture or a run.
• Four Parmesans were found to have PVC (polyvinyl chloride)/PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride)/chlorinated compounds in the packaging.

More detailed information on the test series can be found in Öko-Test magazine No. 09/2019.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct examinations for mineral oil components MOSH/MOAH, as well as determination of fat content and fatty acid spectrum. We provide fast and reliable results.
Our customer advisors are at your disposal for any questions.

Source: Öko-Test No. 09/2019 - www.oekotest.de