The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released today its updated opinion on the Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOH) in food. FEDIOL, the EU Vegetable Oil and Proteinmeal Industry association, carefully takes note of the EFSA experts’ conclusions.

FEDIOL supports science-based approaches for risk assessment and has hence been committed to collaborate and support the authorities in that direction, notably with the submission of its analytical data to EFSA.

The contamination of foods with mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) is a serious concern that has drawn the attention of the vegetable oil and fat industry for several years. As highlighted by EFSA, MOH can enter food in many ways: through environmental contamination, use of lubricants for machinery, release agents, processing aids, food or feed additives and migration from food contact materials. Our industry has therefore engaged in several actions as part of its food quality and safety commitment, including contribution to the development of analytical methods, identification of MOH contamination routes for its products, a FEDIOL Code of Practice, engagement with relevant stakeholder for raising awareness and research on how to prevent and/or reduce occurrence throughout the supply chain. The latest has been proven crucial in our efforts to achieve low MOH levels in our commodities.

FEDIOL remains committed to continuing addressing the MOH contamination issue and to engaging constructively in the upcoming discussion for an EU legislation.

Download the full statement here