The EU’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SC PAFF) recently approved new restrictions on mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH and MOSH) in food supplements, guided by a 2023 safety opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These regulations primarily target food supplements involving extraction processes and fatty carriers, affecting categories like fish oils, botanical extracts, and fat-soluble vitamins.
Starting January 2027, the permissible limit for MOAH will be set at 10.0 mg/kg, decreasing to 5.0 mg/kg in January 2030. There’s a three-year exemption for crude fish oils, which allows for further refinement processes to remove MOAH. Industry representatives such as Ulrike Van den Houte from be-sup have expressed concern over compliance challenges, particularly in identifying contamination sources.
MOAH and MOSH are derived from various sources, including lubricants and packaging materials. They differ structurally, with MOAH containing potentially harmful aromatic rings. Though MOSH is believed to be non-genotoxic, extensive monitoring will be conducted from 2026 to 2029, with food supplements included in the scope. A 15 mg/kg indicative level for MOSH has been established, though it’s not legally binding.
Companies are encouraged to start assessing their products for MOAH and MOSH now to ensure compliance by 2027. This includes evaluating analytical methods, identifying contamination sources, and collaborating with suppliers on control measures.
