Mineral Oil MOSH/MOAH

What are MOSH and MOAH?

Mineral oil hydrocarbons, or MOH, are complex mixtures of hydrocarbons that can occur in foods, raw materials, packaging and other products.

They are generally divided into two main fractions:

• MOSH – Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons
• MOAH – Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons

MOSH mainly comprise saturated hydrocarbons, while MOAH contain aromatic hydrocarbons. Due to their different chemical structures and toxicological properties, the two fractions need to be considered separately.

Mineral oil hydrocarbons can enter products at different stages of manufacturing and processing. Possible sources include environmental contamination, lubricants used in machinery, processing aids and additives, as well as migration from food contact materials.

Why is MOSH and MOAH testing important?

The toxicological relevance of mineral oil hydrocarbons differs considerably between MOSH and MOAH.

According to the current EFSA assessment, present dietary exposure to MOSH is unlikely to raise a health concern, although further research into possible long-term effects has been recommended.

For MOAH, the situation is different. In particular, MOAH containing three or more aromatic rings are associated with genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. EFSA therefore identified current dietary exposure to this fraction as a possible health concern.

Reliable analytical determination is therefore important for assessing whether foods, raw materials or other products are contaminated with mineral oil hydrocarbons.

Testing can help companies to:

• Monitor raw materials and finished products
• Detect MOSH and MOAH contamination
• Verify product specifications
• Support quality assurance
• Assess compliance with applicable or upcoming regulatory requirements

Regulatory requirements for MOAH in food

The regulatory framework for mineral oil hydrocarbons in food is currently developing.

In May 2026, EU Member States gave favourable support to a draft Commission Regulation introducing maximum levels for MOAH in food through an amendment to Regulation (EU) 2023/915. Subject to scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council, formal adoption is currently targeted for October 2026.

The planned requirements provide food-specific maximum levels, with different values and application dates depending on the respective product category. An accompanying amendment concerning sampling and analytical methods for the official control of mineral oil hydrocarbons is also in preparation.

For manufacturers, importers and retailers, analytical monitoring of potentially affected products is therefore becoming increasingly important.

Which products can be tested for MOSH and MOAH?

Due to the many possible routes of contamination, MOSH and MOAH can be relevant for a wide variety of matrices.

In the food sector, potentially relevant product groups include:

• Edible oils and fats
• Cereals and cereal products
• Cocoa and chocolate products
• Dairy products
• Food supplements
• Plant-based raw materials
• Processed foods

Mineral oil hydrocarbon testing may also be relevant for food contact materials and packaging, particularly where mineral oil-containing materials, printing inks or recycled paper and cardboard are involved.

Beyond food testing, MOSH and MOAH determination can also be relevant for cosmetics and other consumer products containing mineral oil-based components.

Whether testing is appropriate depends on the raw materials, product composition, manufacturing process and intended use of the respective product.

How are MOSH and MOAH analysed?

GALAB determines MOSH and MOAH using online-coupled LC-GC-FID.

The method combines liquid chromatography with gas chromatography and flame ionisation detection. Liquid chromatography is used to separate the MOSH and MOAH fractions before they are transferred to the gas chromatographic system for further separation and determination.

This analytical approach is particularly suitable for mineral oil hydrocarbons because MOSH and MOAH do not consist of individual target compounds, but of complex mixtures containing numerous hydrocarbons.

MOSH and MOAH analysis at GALAB

GALAB Laboratories offers MOSH and MOAH analysis for a broad range of foods, raw materials, packaging materials and consumer products.

Our analytical services include:

• Determination of MOSH and MOAH
• Analysis using online-coupled LC-GC-FID
• Testing of a broad range of food matrices
• Analysis of food contact materials and packaging
• Testing of suitable consumer product matrices
• Reliable determination of mineral oil hydrocarbon contamination

Analytical testing provides manufacturers, suppliers, importers and retailers with a reliable basis for evaluating raw materials and finished products for possible MOSH and MOAH contamination.

Do you need support with MOSH and MOAH analysis?

If you would like to have a food product, raw material, packaging material or consumer product tested for MOSH and MOAH, please feel free to contact us.