Trends in Food Science & Technology publishes outcome from multistakeholder workshop by International Life Science Institute “to identify knowledge gaps in analytical methods, assessment of exposure, hazard characterization, and risk assessment of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH);” highlights need for standardization of MOH measurements in food, finds few studies look at packaging material or foods packaged in materials other than paperboard
August 31, 2020
Updated draft of German mineral oil ordinance
German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture proposes requiring use of a functional barrier in food contact materials containing recycled paper; exemptions can be granted by demonstrating migration below 0.5 mg MOAH/kg food or 0.15 mg MOAH/kg food simulant; comments accepted until November 18, 2020
June 4, 2020
Critical commentary of mineral oil hydrocarbon study
Scientists from European government agencies publish comment reviewing Nestlé study comparing interlaboratory analytics of mineral oil hydrocarbons
May 29, 2020
German authorities find mineral oil hydrocarbons in baby formulas
Test results from German Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Offices (CVUA) show quantifiable levels of saturated (MOSH) and aromatic (MOAH) mineral oil hydrocarbons; Food Watch calls for EU-wide limits and no tolerance of MOAH
February 10, 2020
BfR: Lack of safety data for impurities in unrefined MOAH
German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) publishes review article identifying lack of data on carcinogenic potential of less refined mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), recommends minimizing impurities in food
November 19, 2019
EFSA risk assessment of MOAH in infant formula
Rapid risk assessment uses data submitted by member states, previous Foodwatch study; finds 95th percentile exposure of 0.8 to 44.6 µg/kg body weight per day; lack of data leads EFSA to conclude possible concern for human health
October 30, 2019
Mineral oil hydrocarbons assessment guidelines
German Federation of Food Law and Food Science publishes guidelines for assessment of mineral oil hydrocarbon migration from food packaging; aims to support companies in assessing current and alternative packaging to minimize migration
July 30, 2019
Contamination found in paper straws
Swiss government laboratory tests paper drinking straws purchased from grocery stores and restaurants; finds chloropropanols, mineral oils, photoinitiators
March 5, 2019
Guidance on mineral oil hydrocarbons
EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre publishes guidance for sampling, analysis, and reporting of monitoring results for mineral oil hydrocarbons in food and food contact materials
March 4, 2019
Paper and board in contact with food
“Paper Technology Foundation” (PTS) expert meeting discusses current trends in paper and board in contact with food