Temporary binding limits for MOAH in the Netherlands
Following a new maximum level guideline for Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) in food by the European Commission, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) is setting a temporary enforcement policy on the presence of MOAH in food.
From January 1, 2024, the NVWA will enforce action limits for MOAH, requiring companies to actively monitor and ensure that their food products comply with these new standards.
The new maximum levels are:
- 0.5 mg/kg for dry foods with a low fat/oil content (≤ 4% fat/oil)
- 1 mg/kg for foods with a higher fat/oil content (> 4% fat/oil, ≤50% fat/oil)
- 2 mg/kg for fats/ oils or foods with >50% fat/oil
MOAH are chemical compounds, with potential health risks, including carcinogenic and mutagenic effects as identified by an assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). They can enter food through environmental pollution, packaging materials, or via the lubricants used in the machines for food production.
The NVWA's temporary enforcement policy sets specific action limits for MOAH in food products. Foods exceeding the action limits must be withdrawn from the market, underscoring the importance of rigorous monitoring and quality control in food production processes.
Additionally, the NVWA outlines that from January 1, 2024, any findings of MOAH levels above the action limits must be reported. Failure to report, or delayed reporting, will lead to enforcement actions, reinforcing the authority's commitment to mitigating health risks associated with MOAH in food.
At bilacon Rotterdam – a Tentamus company – we perform MOAH and MOSH analysis, and you can send your samples to us for comprehensive testing to ensure compliance with the maximum limits and regulations.