Launch of highly reliable analyses on mineral oil hydrocarbons in food

As from Monday January 29th, we extend our services with highly reliable and accredited analyses of the mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) in food:

  • MOSH: mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons
    • POSH: polyolefinic oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons (closely related to MOSH. POSH & MOSH are always reported together)
  • MOAH: mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons

Reliable accredited analyses

  • We perform analyses on MOSH/POSH and MOAH with the help of online LC/GC-FID detection equipment, based on the widely respected DIN/EN 16995.
    • This validated norm specifies a highly efficient and high quality method for the determination of MOH.
  • We have a dedicated in-house R&D-team to face the challenging and product specific MOH analyses.
  • We offer reliable support in analysis result interpretation.
  • In our scope, we’ve included amongst others relevant accredited matrices:
    • Cocoa | Cereals | Dried fruits | Pasta | Potatoes | Vegetable oils*

* For other matrices, please contact your market manager or our customer care team.

A risk for human health?

Nowadays, food contamination by mineral oil components is being monitored more and more. These components can enter foodstuffs in different ways:

  • food contact materials: packaging made from recycled paper and board, printing ink, jute or sisal bags, lubricants or wax coating
  • contaminants: lubricating oils (harvesting and processing machinery), solvents used as cleaning agents, ...
  • additives and technical adjuvants: processing aids, release agents and oils/waxes used for food surface treatment/coating, defoamers and anti-dusting agents for cereal grains, ...

Thorough research has shown that MOAH can be carcinogenic and mutagenic. This isn’t the case for MOSH, but they do accumulate within humans in different organs, which could lead to organ damage in the long run. Due to the possible harmful effects, the EU asks to monitor the presence of mineral oil hydrocarbons in food and in materials and articles intended to come into contact with food (Recommendation 2017/84). Also, various member states are setting up national action thresholds.

Our customer care team and your market manager are happy to give you more details about the actual legal situation of your country.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Product code

MINO_01_A (available in extranet)

Parameters
  • MOSH/POSH: fractions C10-16, C16-20, C20-25, C25-35 and C35-C50
  • MOAH: fractions <=C25, >C25-<=C35 and <C35-C50

Technology

LC-GC-FID based on DIN/EN 16995

Reporting time

Accredited matrices: 5-8 wd*
* Contact us for other matrices

Matrices &

reporting limit
  • Cereals, dried fruits, pasta & potatoes: 0,2 ppm
  • Vegetable oils: 1 ppm
  • Cocoa: 0,5 ppm

Sample volume

At least 1 kg or 1 liter

Packaging info

Inert materials like glass or stainless steel are mandatory. Preference is a glass (Schott) bottle with an aluminum foil between bottle and cap.

 

Don’t take any risks … contact us!

Contact your personal market manager or our customer care department to learn more about these new analysis activities: