Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH), including MOSH (mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons) and MOAH (mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons), can enter food and feed at multiple points along the production and supply chain and are of toxicological concern, particularly 3–7 ring MOAH. Eurofins Food Testing UK Ltd, in partnership with Eurofins' global network of laboratories and competence centres, offers accredited, high-sensitivity analysis for MOSH and MOAH along with expert guidance to help you identify, quantify and manage mineral oil contamination in raw materials, intermediate products and finished goods.
Key services
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Quantitative analysis of MOSH and MOAH using advanced online-LC-GC-FID (high lab capacity available)
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Mass spectrometric characterisation of MOSH and MOAH fractions using 2-dimensional GCxGC-ToF-MS to elucidate the origin of the contamination
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Quantification of the tri- to polyaromatic fraction (TPAF) of MOAH using GCxGC-FID as a basis for toxicological assessment recommended by EFSA for confirmation of positive MOAH
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Characterisation of MOSH and MOAH profiles to distinguish between technical and naturally occurring hydrocarbons
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Screening of raw materials, intermediate and final products, including all relevant raw materials and processed food
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Verification of contamination sources, including migration from packaging or environmental exposure
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Support with product recalls and crisis management, including rapid turnaround and expert interpretation
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Customised reporting and regulatory guidance for national and international markets
Additional services
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Consultancy on mitigation strategies, including packaging optimisation and supplier audits
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Trend monitoring and batch comparison for quality assurance and long-term risk management
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Participation in research and regulatory development, ensuring our methods reflect current scientific and legislative expectations
Our expertise
Eurofins Food Testing UK Ltd, supported by the wider Eurofins laboratory network and the Eurofins competence centre for organic contaminants, Eurofins WEJ Contaminants GmbH, provides specialist services for the analysis of mineral oil hydrocarbons in food and feed. Their experts have long-term experience in qualitative characterisation techniques that help elucidate the sources of mineral oil hydrocarbon contamination.
Regulatory context in the EU and Great Britain (GB)
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Commission Recommendation (EU) 2017/84 provides guidance on the monitoring of mineral oil hydrocarbons in food and food contact materials across the EU; this recommendation is also used as a reference in GB risk-based surveillance
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Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 sets the general framework for materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, including packaging that may contribute to MOSH and MOAH contamination; this framework applies in the EU and continues to apply in GB as assimilated law following EU Exit
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EFSA scientific opinions on mineral oil hydrocarbons in food provide toxicological assessment and risk characterisation to support regulatory decision making in the EU and inform risk assessments in GB
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The EU Standing Committee on Plants, Food and Feed (SC PAFF) and EU JRC technical reports provide additional guidance on sampling, analysis and risk management for mineral oil hydrocarbons; these documents are also considered in national approaches within GB
Get in touch
For small batches, order our most routine testing from Eurofins Testing Direct.
To discuss MOSH and MOAH testing or request a quotation, please contact our sales team on 0845 604 6740 or make an enquiry.
*Regulations are subject to change. For the latest updates relevant to your target market, please contact your local Eurofins Food Testing UK ltd. laboratory. Our specialists provide tailored support through our horizon scanning and food safety consultancy services.
