On September 13, 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released an updated risk assessment on mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOHs) in food.
MOHs are mainly categorized into mineral oil-saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbon (MOAH). The primary findings were that MOSH “very likely… does not raise concerns for human health” while it is “extremely likely” that MOAH is a health concern. According to EFSA, MOH, often derived from crude oil but also from other sources like coal and gas, can enter the food supply through various means such as environmental contaminants and food production machinery.
EFSA’s Scientific Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM Panel) had indicated in 2012 that MOH poses various health risks depending on its type (FPF reported). MOSH can accumulate in human tissues and potentially harm the liver, while MOAH may cause DNA damage and possibly lead to cancer (FPF reported). EFSA was mandated by the European Commission (EC) in 2017 to start monitoring MOHs in food and food contact materials (FPF reported). Following that, in 2020 EFSA was tasked with updating its 2012 scientific opinion, focusing on state-of-the-art research and occurrence data to assess the risk posed by MOHs. According to the FCCmigex, MOHs have been measured most often in paper and board based food contact articles.
Despite the update, uncertainties remain due to the complex chemical makeup of MOH. For instance, insufficient data exist to draw conclusive evidence on the oral toxicity of MOAH with three or more aromatic rings. However, based on what is available, “it is extremely likely (99-100% certain)” that dietary exposure to MOAH is a concern for toddlers, and “likely (more than 66% certain) for other age groups.”
The recent update also indicates that the highest levels of MOHs are found in vegetable oils, and the population most at risk is young people, particularly infants through infant formula. MOSH does not raise concerns for human health with 66-95% certainty, but ongoing study is advised for potential long-term effects. Conversely, MOAH with one to two aromatic rings lack reliable toxicity data, thus possibly raising a concern.
EFSA put forth recommendations for both public health authorities and policymakers. For MOSH, EFSA recommendations include
- improving analytical methodologies,
- researching the sources of MOSH in food, and
- investigating its effects on human metabolism and accumulation in tissues.
For MOAH, EFSA recommendations include
- collecting more data on its composition by aromatic ring number,
- oral toxicity for one to two ring MOAH, and
- its influence on gene damage and cancer.
The EC is considering these outcomes and recommendations in its deliberation on whether to establish maximum allowable levels of MOHs in specific food items.
Reference
EFSA (September 13, 2023). “Update of the risk assessment of mineral oil hydrocarbons in food.”
Read more
EFSA (September 13, 2023). “[Plain language summary]: Update of the risk assessment of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) in food.”
