The European Commission has launched a crackdown on mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbon (MOAH) contamination in food. This is the first concrete measure after repeated warnings, especially from FoodWatch, and pending EFSA opinion.
MOAH, limits to contamination
The decision was taken on 17.5.22 by the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (PAFF) of the European Commission. (1)
The new limits on the presence of MOAH in food take effect immediately and are articulated as follows:
- 0.5 mg/kg for low-fat/oil dry foods (≤ 4% fat/oil),
- 1 mg/kg for foods with a higher fat/oil content (> 4% fat/oil),
- 2 mg/kg for fats/oils.
A tentative step forward
The introduction of thresholds to these contaminants suspected of being carcinogenic and genotoxic is a step forward. Previously, limits were set in the EU only for infant formula. However, the measure remains very modest.
Although exceeding the limits will result in a food recall or recall, the thresholds are not legally binding throughout the EU. Indeed, it is up to the member states to decide whether to apply them.
FoodWatch critique
FoodWatch, the organization most committed against the presence of MOAH in food, is critical. His investigation revealing the presence of these contaminants in many foods has certainly prompted the European executive to take action, preceding the EFSA opinion expected by 2022. But the measure is judged insufficient.
‘Limits on contamination are still not enough to fully protect European consumers. EFSA’s risk assessment needs to go a step further: there should be no detectable MOAH in any food in the European Union. With carcinogenic contaminants, even a small amount is too much. Technology exists to detect low MOAH levels: if detected, food must be taken off the shelves‘, FoodWatch states. (2)
Switzerland and Germany ahead
Mineral oil aromatichydrocarbons (MOAHs) can contaminate food through their presence in food packaging, processing equipment and food additives. Paper and cardboard food packaging is most at risk because of the inks used to decorate it.
Given the high toxicity of MOAHs, which are mutagenic and carcinogenic, some countries are already on alert. In Switzerland, the use of recycled paper in food contact materials is prohibited, and in Germany a migration limit of 0.5 mg/kg is recommended for MOAH. (3)
Marta Strinati
Notes
(1) Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed Section Novel Food and Toxicological Safety of the Food Chain April 21, 2022. https://ec.europa.eu/food/system/files/2022-05/reg-com_toxic_20220421_sum.pdf
(2) FoodWatch. EU proposes limits for mineral oils in food products. 30.5.22 https://www.foodwatch.org/en/news/2022/eu-proposes-limits-for-mineral-oils-in-food-products/
(3) Birgit Geueke. New draft of German mineral oil ordinance. 3.4.17. https://www.foodpackagingforum.org/news/new-draft-of-german-mineral-oil-ordinance
Professional journalist since January 1995, he has worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and periodicals (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). She is the author of journalistic surveys on food, she has published the book "Reading labels to know what we eat".
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