Mosh and Moah Testing

Introduction

In the realm of food safety and quality, milk and dairy products stand as essential components of our daily consumption. Ensuring their safety, nutritional value, and adherence to regulatory standards is paramount. Milk testing and comprehensive analysis of dairy products play a pivotal role in guaranteeing consumer health and satisfaction while meeting stringent industry regulations.

What are MOSH and MOAH?

MOSH (Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons) refers to a group of hydrocarbons derived from mineral oils. These substances are commonly used in printing inks, lubricants, and as a component of recycled materials in the food production chain. MOSH can be further divided into different fractions based on their molecular size.

MOAH (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons), on the other hand, are a group of more concerning substances that consist of aromatic hydrocarbons. MOAH can potentially contain carcinogenic compounds and are more readily absorbed by fatty tissues in the human body.

MOSH and MOAH can enter food at any point in the food supply chain, from production to processing to packaging. Some common sources of MOSH and MOAH in food include:

• Food contact materials, such as paperboard, baking cups, and plastic bags
• Release agents used to prevent food from sticking to cooking surfaces
• Lubricants used in food processing equipment
• Mineral oil-based printing inks used on food packaging
  
  

Health implications

Exposure to MOSH and MOAH is a concern because these substances can accumulate in the body over time. MOSH has been shown to accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes, while MOAH can accumulate in the liver, spleen, and other organs.

Long-term exposure to high levels of MOSH and MOAH has been linked to a number of health problems, including:

• Inflammation
• Liver damage
• Cancer
  
  

Import and export details of the products undergoing these services (2022-2023/ 2022 data)

India is a relatively small importer and exporter of MOSH and MOAH products. In 2022, India imported approximately USD 100 million worth of MOSH and MOAH products, and exported approximately USD 70 million worth of MOSH and MOAH products.

The top import markets for MOSH and MOAH products in India are China, the United States, Germany, Japan, and South Korea. The top export markets for MOSH and MOAH products from India are the United States, Japan, China, Germany, and South Korea.

The main MOSH and MOAH products imported into India are lubricants, food contact materials, and cosmetics. The main MOSH and MOAH products exported from India are lubricants, food contact materials, and cosmetics.

The following table shows the import and export details of MOSH and MOAH products in India for the financial year 2022-23:

Standards and regulations

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations on MOSH and MOAH

The FSSAI has set maximum limits for MOSH and MOAH in food contact materials, as follows:

• MOSH: 0.5 mg/kg
• MOAH: 0.15 mg/kg
• The FSSAI has also banned the use of MOSH and MOAH-containing lubricants in food processing equipment.

European Union (EU) regulations on MOSH and MOAH

The EU has set maximum limits for MOSH and MOAH in food contact materials, as follows:

• MOSH: 0.5 mg/kg
• MOAH: 0.15 mg/kg
• The EU has also banned the use of MOSH and MOAH-containing lubricants in food processing equipment.

United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations on MOSH and MOAH

The FDA has not set specific maximum limits for MOSH and MOAH in food. However, the FDA has stated that MOSH and MOAH are not considered to be direct food additives, and should not be intentionally added to food.

The FDA has also stated that MOSH and MOAH are not considered to be food contact substances, and should not be present in food contact materials at levels that could reasonably be expected to migrate into food.

Mandatory and optional analyses to be performed

MOSH content in food contact materials:

• Analysis: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
• Quantification: Individual MOSH compounds are identified and quantified using GC-MS.

MOAH content in food contact materials:

• Analysis: GC-MS
• Quantification: Individual MOAH compounds are identified and quantified using GC-MS.

MOSH content in food:

• Analysis: GC-MS
• Quantification: Individual MOSH compounds are identified and quantified using GC-MS.

MOAH content in food:

• Analysis: GC-MS
• Quantification: Individual MOAH compounds are identified and quantified using GC-MS.

Identification of specific MOSH and MOAH compounds:

• Analysis: GC-MS or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
• Qualitative: Individual MOSH and MOAH compounds are identified using GC-MS or LC-MS.

Determination of the migration of MOSH and MOAH from food contact materials into food:

• Analysis: GC-MS or LC-MS
• Quantitative: The amount of MOSH and MOAH that migrated from the food contact material into the food simulant is measured using GC-MS or LC-MS.

Assessment of the toxicity of MOSH and MOAH compounds:

• Analysis: In vitro or in vivo bioassays
• Toxicity: The toxicity of individual MOSH and MOAH compounds is assessed using in vitro or in vivo bioassays.
  
  
  

Eurofins role in testing MOSH and MOAH

Eurofins is a global leader in analytical testing services, including testing for MOSH and MOAH in food contact materials and food. Eurofins offers a wide range of services related to MOSH and MOAH testing, including:

Quantitative analysis of MOSH and MOAH: Eurofins can measure the total concentration of MOSH and MOAH in food contact materials and food using GC-MS.

Identification of specific MOSH and MOAH compounds: Eurofins can identify the individual MOSH and MOAH compounds that are present in a sample using GC-MS or LC-MS.

Determination of the migration of MOSH and MOAH from food contact materials into food: Eurofins can determine the amount of MOSH and MOAH that migrates from food contact materials into food under simulated use conditions using GC-MS or LC-MS.

In addition to these services, Eurofins also offers a variety of consulting and advisory services related to MOSH and MOAH, such as:

Advice on regulatory compliance: Eurofins can advise clients on the latest regulations for MOSH and MOAH in food contact materials and food, and help them to ensure that their products comply with these regulations.

Risk assessment: Eurofins can help clients to assess the risks associated with MOSH and MOAH exposure in their products.

Development of risk mitigation strategies: Eurofins can help clients to develop strategies to mitigate the risks associated with MOSH and MOAH exposure.

Eurofins' MOSH and MOAH testing services are used by a wide range of clients, including food manufacturers, food importers, food retailers, and regulatory authorities. Eurofins' services help clients to ensure the safety and quality of their food products, and to comply with all applicable regulations.