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MOSH/MOAH Analysis

Quantification, confirmation and source identification of mineral oil hydrocarbons in food – using online-HPLC-GC-FID, GC×GC-ToF-MS and our LC-GC×GC-ToF-MS/FID system.

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Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons – Complex Mixtures, Complex Analytics

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Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) are complex, chemically heterogeneous mixtures requiring advanced chromatographic techniques for reliable quantification and confirmation.

MOH comprise MOSH and MOAH. MOAH with three to seven aromatic rings are considered genotoxic and are a regulatory priority. Binding EU maximum levels for MOAH are expected by 2027.

We combine online-HPLC-GC-FID, GC×GC-ToF-MS and – since 2025 – an integrated LC-GC×GC-ToF-MS/FID system for comprehensive MOSH/MOAH analysis.

How MOSH/MOAH Enter Food

MOH contamination pathways are diverse and often non-obvious. Identifying the dominant source is critical for effective mitigation and regulatory decision‑making.
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Packaging Materials

Contamination from recycled cardboard, printing inks, adhesives and labels.

Primary route for dry foods such as cereals, rice, flour and spices.

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Production Machinery

Lubricants, release agents and hydraulic fluids used in processing equipment.

Relevant for baked goods, confectionery and processed meat.

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Environment

Atmospheric deposition, contaminated soil, irrigation water.

Relevant for edible oils, fats and field crops.

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Transport & Storage

Jute/sisal bags treated with mineral-oil batching agents, storage contamination, cross‑contamination during bulk transport.

Relevant for rice, cocoa beans, coffee and bulk commodities.

Parameter Portfolio

Quantitative and qualitative determination of mineral oil hydrocarbons using complementary analytical platforms – from routine screening to confirmatory and source-specific evaluation.

MOSH/MOAH Screening

Routine quantification of MOSH and MOAH fractions using the internationally recognised reference method.

Methods:  Online HPLC-GC-FID.

Results: MOSH and MOAH fractions (e.g. C10-C50).

MOAH Confirmation

High-resolution structural characterisation to distinguish: alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons, naturally occurring matrix components, potential interferences.

Methods: GC×GC-ToF‑MS.

Results: MOAH sub-fraction patterns, structural fingerprints.

Advanced MOSH/MOAH Characterisation

Online fractionation, high-resolution MS confirmation, quantitative FID detection.

Methods: LC-GC×GC-ToF-MS / FID.

Results: Quantitative MOSH/MOAH data with confirmatory structural context.

Source-Oriented Evaluation

Pattern analysis supports differentiation between: food-contact material migration, process-related contamination, environmental background.

Methods: Chromatographic pattern analysis.

Results: Source-indicative distribution profiles.

Analytical Methods

From routine testing of mineral oil hydrocarbons to in-depth, confirmatory and source-specific evaluation – benefit from our extensive experience and comprehensive expertise.
Reference

Online HPLC-GC-FID

Internationally recognised reference technique for MOSH/MOAH quantification.

Automated fractionation by online HPLC followed by GC-FID enables reliable separation of MOSH and MOAH fractions and reproducible carbon‑number‑based quantification.

Confirmatory Structure

GC×GC-ToF-MS

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight MS for high-resolution characterisation of MOAH sub-fractions.

Allows discrimination between alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons and naturally occurring matrix interferences.

Advanced Hybrid Platform

LC-GC×GC-ToF-MS / FID

Integrated platform combining precise fractionation, high-resolution MS confirmation and quantitative FID detection within a single workflow.

Designed for source elucidation, elimination of false positives and expert-level interpretation of complex food matrices.

Analytical Interpretation

Key aspects that determine how MOSH/MOAH results are correctly interpreted beyond numerical values.

Matrix & Background Effects

Natural hydrocarbons (e.g., olefins, waxes, resin‑based components) can overlap with MOSH/MOAH fractions.

High-resolution confirmation is essential to avoid misclassification.

Typical applications: Complex plant‑based foods, fats and oils.

Regulatory & Risk‑Based Context

MOH evaluation is guided by EFSA risk assessments and national guidance values. There are currently no harmonised EU maximum limits.

Sub‑fraction‑level differentiation is required, especially for MOAH.

Typical applications: Retail risk assessment, authority dialogue, incident clarification.

Source Identification

Distribution patterns and structural fingerprints support differentiation between food contact material migration, environmental contamination and technological background.

Typical applications: Root cause analysis, corrective action support.

Illustration Law

Regulatory Framework

There are no harmonised EU maximum levels for mineral oil hydrocarbons. Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/1341 sets indicative values for MOAH in food, which currently serve as the reference point for market surveillance and RASFF notifications. Binding maximum levels for MOAH are expected by 2027.

UK market: no statutory limits apply; assessment follows EFSA risk assessment principles and retailer specifications.

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Related Analytics

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Food Contact Materials & Packaging

Packaging analysis and material assessment – MOSH/MOAH from recycled cardboard, printing inks and adhesives is a primary contamination pathway. Combined testing of food and packaging available.

Explore Food Contact Materials & Packaging
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Residues

Combined contaminant and residue programmes – single-point-of-contact for complete food safety analytics across your product range.

Explore Residues