MOSH-POSH/MOAH Dosage

What are MOSH, POSH and MOAH?

MOSH ( Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons ), POSH ( Polyolefin Oligomeric Saturated Hydrocarbons ) and MOAH ( Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons ) are compounds derived from mineral oils or plastic manufacturing residues. These hydrocarbons can migrate into foodstuffs or cosmetics, particularly in dry and greasy products.

• MOSH: long-chain saturated hydrocarbons, derived from technical or edible mineral oils.
• POSH: saturated oligomers from polymers (PE, PP) that can migrate from plastic packaging.
• MOAH: potentially genotoxic and carcinogenic aromatic fraction, closely monitored by health authorities.

Why measure MOSH/MOAH/POSH hydrocarbons?

The analysis of these hydrocarbons is crucial for:

• Identify sources of contamination (technical oils, inks, recycled packaging, etc.)
• Assess health risks, particularly those linked to the presence of MOAH in food or cosmetics
• Ensure compliance with European recommendations (EFSA, BfR, Food Packaging Forum)
• Meet the requirements of distributors or quality labels (organic, clean beauty, etc.)
• Controlling migration risks from packaging materials (especially recycled ones)

MOAHs are suspected of genotoxic effects even at low doses, hence zero tolerance is recommended by some authorities, particularly for infant products or edible oils.

Recommended analytical method: LC-GC-FID

The dosage is carried out according to the reference method LC-GC-FID (liquid chromatography coupled with gas chromatography with flame ionization detection):

• Pre-separation by LC to separate MOSH / MOAH / POSH fractions
• Automatic injection into GC-FID for specific quantification
• Method validated by the Food Packaging Forum, EFSA, BfR and other European bodies
• Limits of quantification in the order of 0.5 to 2 mg/kg, depending on the matrix and preparation

This technique guarantees good reproducibility, precise separation and reliable quantification of the different families of hydrocarbons.

Affected matrices

The test applies to many risk matrices:

• Food packaging (recycled cardboard, bags, plastic films, lids)
• Dry or fatty foods: cereals, rice, cocoa, chocolate, vegetable oils
• Cosmetic powders (makeup, talc, clays, dry care)
• Natural or processed ingredients with high lipid affinity
• Printing inks or overwrap materials

Regulations and recommendations

Even though no binding European regulations yet impose precise limits, several bodies recommend increased vigilance:

• BfR (Germany): Zero tolerance for MOAHs in food products
• EFSA: classification of MOAHs as potentially genotoxic
• Food Packaging Forum recommendations to avoid sources of contamination (technical oils, recycled cardboard, etc.)

More and more distributors are imposing strict internal thresholds on their suppliers to prevent risks linked to the migration of these hydrocarbons.

YesWeLab Support

At YesWeLab, we work with ISO 17025-certified laboratories that are fully proficient in the LC-GC-FID method and its variants. Our experts will assist you with:

• Define the analysis conditions according to your products and objectives
• Identify the potential origin of the contamination
• Provide comprehensive reports that meet the expectations of authorities and distributors
• Perform an analysis alone or integrated into a global/specific migration plan

Our secure digital platform allows you to centralize your requests, track your analytical projects and receive your results with complete traceability.

Need to analyze MOSH, MOAH and POSH in your products or packaging?

YesWeLab supports you in monitoring mineral hydrocarbons to ensure the safety of your food, cosmetics, and materials.
Contact our team today to get a quote or discuss your specifications.