MOSH and MOAH Control:

Ensuring Food Safety through High-Impact Strategies

Global Standards Addressing Contaminant Presence

In 2012, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released a report regarding potential risks of new contaminants that could be present in various food products.¹ Among these contaminants, Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOH) stood out, a group composed of Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) and Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH), two groups of toxic contaminants and impurities flagged as potentially hazardous to health, with their presence in food being regulated² . Following this, in 2017, the European Union issued a recommendation to monitor the content of these compounds in food, especially in fats, oils, bread, pasta, cereals, nuts, sausages, canned fish, cocoa, chocolate, confectionery, ice cream, and desserts, as well as in food-contact packaging materials³ Since then, food producers have implemented effective strategies to reduce the presence of these contaminants in products and contribute to food safety through good practices such as the use of lubricants, food-grade additives, reviewing storage practices, cleaning and handling, and verification plans for these contaminants in food and packaging⁴

Vegetable Oils and Fats Industry

The vegetable oils and fats sector, in particular, has implemented practices that have allowed for high levels of control of these contaminants.⁵ In the case of Alianza Team, a company with over 75 years of experience in the food industry, a strategy based on three action pillars has been implemented, leading to high levels of mitigation for these contaminants. The plan includes aspects such as the identification and control of critical points of cross-contamination by mineral oils, as well as a raw material segregation plan.

Specifically, Alianza Team’s B2B business unit, Team Solutions Mexico, now quantifies MOH with a state-of-the-art laboratory in Europe that provides great certainty in identifying these

contaminants. It has allocated infrastructure for segregating low-contaminant raw materials, switched to mineral oil-free synthetic lubricants, implemented the development of new suppliers, and invested in technologies for contaminant mitigation. Overall, the analyses and control programs on raw materials and finished products implemented by the company contribute to the well-being of consumers, meet high-quality control standards, and offer better products to food manufacturers.

Nurturing a Better Tomorrow

Good practices for controlling these contaminants are positioned as a contribution to consumer welfare and foster confidence in food products⁶. Moreover, companies’ commitment to implementing safer practices reflects a long-term vision that seeks not only economic benefit but also the general well-being of communities. This comprehensive approach to food safety and product quality is essential for feeding a better tomorrow, where food is not only nutritious but also safe. MOSH and MOAH control goes beyond being just a regulatory issue; it is also an opportunity for innovation and continuous improvement in the food industry. Through collaboration among regulatory bodies, companies, and consumers, it is possible to continue advancing toward a future where food safety is a priority and where quality standards are constantly elevated for the benefit of consumers.

References

¹ EFSA (2012). Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (Contam). Scientific Opinion on Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons in Food. EFSA Journal, 10(6), 2704. 185. Doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2704

² EFSA (2012). Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (Contam). Scientific Opinion on Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons in Food. EFSA Journal, 10(6), 2704. 185. Doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2704

³Comisión Europea. (2017). Recomendación (UE)2017/84 de la Comisión de 16 de enero de 2017 sobre la vigilancia de hidrocarburos de aceites minerales en alimentos y en materiales y objetos
destinados a entrar en contacto con alimentos. Diario Oficial de la Unión Europea. 12(60). https://www.boe.es/doue/2017/012/L00095-00096.pdf

⁴ Food Drink Europe. (2019). Caja de herramientas para prevenir la transferencia de
Hidrocarburos de Aceites minerales no deseados en los alimentos. https://www.aesan.gob.es/AECOSAN/docs/documentos/Guia_MOSH_MOAH.pdf

⁵ Zarate, J. y García, J. (Junio 15 de 2023). Nuevos enfoques en la calidad del aceite de palma colombiano. Investigación. https://elpalmicultor.fedepalma.org/nuevos-enfoques-calidad-aceite-palma-colombiano/

⁶ Umaña, L. (Agosto 3 de 2023). Análisis MOSH/MOAH en Aceites Vegetales: Garantizando la Seguridad Alimentaria. Blog TSI Life Science. https://tecnosolucionescr.net/blog/782-analisis-mosh-moah-en-aceites-vegetales-garantizando-la-seguridad-alimentaria

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