Food Safety
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Food Safety
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • White Papers
  • PRODUCTS
  • TOPICS
    • Contamination Control
    • Food Types
    • Management
    • Process Control
    • Regulatory
    • Sanitation
    • Supply Chain
    • Testing and Analysis
  • PODCAST
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Food Safety Five Newsreel
    • eBooks
    • FSM Distinguished Service Award
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
    • Videos
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MORE
    • ENEWSLETTER >
      • Archive Issues
      • Subscribe to eNews
    • Store
    • Sponsor Insights
  • WEBINARS
  • FOOD SAFETY SUMMIT
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Editorial Advisory Board
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
NewsContamination ControlRegulatoryChemicalInternational Standards/Harmonization

EFSA Seeks Public Comment on Food Safety Risk of Petroleum-Derived Chemicals

decanter of oil next to onions

Credit: cottonbro studio via Pexels

March 15, 2023

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a draft scientific opinion that updates the risk assessment of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) in food. The agency is inviting stakeholders to provide their input on the draft.

MOH comprise a wide range of chemical compounds obtained mainly from petroleum distillation and refining. They are categorized into two main groups: mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). EFSA provisionally concluded that MOSH do not pose a health concern, however, some MOAH substances may potentially be harmful to human health.

Regarding MOSH, adverse effects on the liver were observed in a specific strain of rat, but the evidence suggests that these effects are not relevant for humans. Experts also looked at two different types of MOAH, concluding one may contain genotoxic substances that can damage DNA in cells and could be carcinogenic. It is not possible to establish a safe level for genotoxins identified in the MOAH substance.

Because little information is available on the occurrence of MOAH in food, EFSA also developed two different predictive scenarios, both of which indicated a possible health concern using a margin of exposure (MOE) approach. EFSA found that MOH can enter food in many ways—through environmental contamination, the use of lubricants for machinery, release agents, processing aids, food or feed additives, and migration into food from food contact materials.

The substances have been found in a variety of foods, which typically contain higher levels of MOSH than MOAH. The highest levels of MOH were found in vegetable oils, and the highest exposure was estimated for young people, especially infants who have been fed exclusively with infant formula containing high levels of MOSH.

Experts recommend that more research is done to quantify the presence of MOAH in food and that toxicity data are collected to better assess the associated risks. For MOSH, EFSA states that it is important to keep studying the possible long-term effects on human health.

Stakeholders can submit their comments until April 30, 2023. Once finalized, EFSA’s scientific opinion will help inform the European Commission and EU Member States when considering risk management action.
KEYWORDS: EFSA EU mineral oil hydrocarbons risk assessment

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • people holding baby chicks

    Serovar Differences Matter: Utility of Deep Serotyping in Broiler Production and Processing

    This article discusses the significance of Salmonella in...
    Methods
    By: Nikki Shariat Ph.D.
  • woman washing hands

    Building a Culture of Hygiene in the Food Processing Plant

    Everyone entering a food processing facility needs to...
    Food Prep/Handling
    By: Richard F. Stier, M.S.
  • graphical representation of earth over dirt

    Climate Change and Emerging Risks to Food Safety: Building Climate Resilience

    This article examines the multifaceted threats to food...
    Management
    By: Maria Cristina Tirado Ph.D., D.V.M. and Shamini Albert Raj M.A.
Manage My Account
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Subscribe to eNewsletter
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Website Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Food Safety Magazine audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Food Safety Magazine or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • mold
    Sponsored byIFC

    Tackling Mold Remediation in Food Processing Plants

  • a worker in a food processing plant
    Sponsored byLPS® DETEX®

    How a Beverage Facility Improved Food Safety and Compliance with Detectable Packaging Solutions

  • Two men standing in a produce storage facility having a discussion.
    Sponsored byOrkin Commercial

    Staying Compliant With FSMA

Popular Stories

smoked salmon in oil

Study Shows Food Type Significantly Affects Listeria’s Ability to Survive Digestion, Cause Sickness

straight-on view of u.s. capitol hill

Bill Reintroduced to Congress Would Require FDA to Systematically Reassess Food Chemicals

FSM podcast

Ep. 197. Jatin Patel: Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Handling a Recall

Events

July 15, 2025

Hygienic Design Risk Management: Industry Challenges and Global Insights

Live: July 15, 2025 at 11:00 am EDT: From this webinar, attendees will learn the importance of hygienic design to ensure food safety and sanitation effectiveness.

July 22, 2025

Beyond the Binder: Digital Management of Food Safety

Live: July 22, 2025 at 3:00 pm EDT: During this webinar, attendees will learn best practices for the use of digital food safety management systems across industry and regulatory agencies.

August 7, 2025

Achieve Active Managerial Control of Major Risk Factors Using a Food Safety Management System

Live: August 7, 2025 at 2:00 pm EDT: From this webinar, attendees will learn about changes to the FDA Food Code, which now includes a requirement for FSMS. 

View All

Products

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

See More Products
Environmental Monitoring Excellence eBook

Related Articles

  • baby bottle

    Infants Given Formula Most at Risk of Exposure to Petroleum-Derived MOH Chemicals, EFSA Concludes

    See More
  • shipping port with cranes at sunset

    UK FSA Seeks Public Comment on Food and Feed Considered High-Risk for Import Controls

    See More
  • 3D rendering of microorganisms and dna

    Public Consultation Open for EFSA Draft Guidance on Characterization and Risk Assessment of Microorganisms in Food

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • food safety.jpg

    Food Safety Contaminants and Risk Assessment

  • 1119071127.jpg

    Food Safety, Risk Intelligence and Benchmarking

  • 9781498721776.jpg

    Handbook of Food Processing: Food Safety, Quality, and Manufacturing Processes

See More Products

Events

View AllSubmit An Event
  • August 7, 2025

    Achieve Active Managerial Control of Major Risk Factors Using a Food Safety Management System

    Live: August 7, 2025 at 2:00 pm EDT: From this webinar, attendees will learn about changes to the FDA Food Code, which now includes a requirement for FSMS. 
View AllSubmit An Event

Related Directories

  • Saldesia "Goddess of Food Safety"

    Saldesia is a distributor of Food Safety products and solutions. We are focused on supplying the Quality, Production, Safety and Sanitation departments. Product lines include Color Coded, Metal Detectable, Antimicrobial Flooring & Mats, Workwear, Footwear, Spray Nozzles, and more!
  • KLEANZ Food Safety Technologies

    KLEANZ Food Safety Technologies is proud to be the leader in software and services for the Food and Beverage industry. For over 30 years, we have ensured that our clients’ Food Safety, Sanitation Management, and Maintenance needs are satisfied and streamlined. We pride ourselves in helping our clients mitigate risk.
×

Never miss the latest news and trends driving the food safety industry

eNewsletter | Website | eMagazine

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing