Mineral oil molecules may be found in food packaging, contaminating the product and harming human health. Among these, MOAH and MOSH are two significant chemical families that are constantly subject to stringent regulations in the packaging sector. What are MOAH and MOSH, then? Let’s find out with Minh Sang Packaging through the detailed sharing article below.
Danh Mục
What are MOAH, MOSH?
Mineral oil is the source of two hydrocarbon compounds: MOAH (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbon) and MOSH (Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons). With MOSH being saturated hydrocarbons with a chain or ring structure. MOAH are aromatic hydrocarbons found in mineral oil.
These two substances are frequently found in packaging recycling procedures, printing ink, etc. Numerous studies have demonstrated that MOSH and MOAH both contribute to a variety of human health issues.
Are human health impacted by MOAH and MOSH?
Human health is seriously impacted by both substances. MOAH can impact fertility and result in human cancer and genetic abnormalities.
MOSH can build up in the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and many other organs, harming them. Furthermore, a few of the MOSH group’s short-chain saturated hydrocarbons build up in different human organs.
Numerous investigations and animal experiments demonstrate that this class of substances damages the liver and affects the lymph nodes. Cancer is also brought on by some aromatic hydrocarbons of the MOAH group.
Process of MOAH, MOSH contamination in food
Both MOAH and MOSH are harmful substances that can contaminate our food in a variety of ways. The following are some ways that these chemicals might get contaminated:
Pollution throughout the manufacturing process
Hydrocarbon molecules are readily polluted during food processing. In particular, paraffin-like compounds E905, E914, are used externally to enhance the preservation of some fragrant fruits. Additionally, non-stick materials used to bake cakes and bread are tainted with MOAH and MOSH chemicals. E907 is specifically used as a coating to give dried fruits a lovely, glossy look. These are all bad for our health.
Corrugated cardboard packaging and paper packaging that contains a significant amount of recycled fibers are the most frequent sources of hydrocarbon contamination. The quantity of mineral oil in the printing ink solvent is the primary source of this contamination. The likelihood of leftover ink causing MOAH and MOSH contamination in the packaging increases with the amount of recycled paper used.
Contamination from environmental pollution
Vehicle emissions, industrial operations, and other factors are contributing to the rise in environmental pollution. When these pollution sources come into contact with food, the mineral oil they contain will raise the levels of MOAH and MOSH.
Contamination from pesticides
Pesticides are being utilized more and more these days, which contributes to the pollution of MOAH and MOSH. Because paraffin oil is used in pesticides.
Find out about the laws and rules pertaining to MOAH and MOSH in food packaging
The Scientific Committee states that only around 0.01 mg/kg of body weight of MOSH mineral oil is permitted to be absorbed by the body. Long-term exceeding of this limit will result in several risks and health issues. Consequently, the following broad principles have been established in the draft Law on Mineral Oil:
- The following criteria apply to paper, corrugated cardboard, or cardboard made from materials that include printing ink used in food:
- < 24 mg MOSH per kilogram of cardboard, corrugated cardboard, or paper.
- < 6 mg MOAH per kilogram of cardboard, corrugated cardboard, or paper.
- In addition, it is possible to exceed the above standards but it is necessary to ensure that the amount of oil absorbed is below the following limits:
- ≤ 2 mg MOSH/ 1 kg of food.
- ≤ 0.5 mg MOAH/ 1 kg of food.
Furthermore, printing inks that include mineral oil as a solvent are strictly prohibited for use in food packaging production facilities. Because they contaminate materials when the printed and non-printed surfaces come into contact, the ink will seep through the packaging, the water vapor produced during production will act as a carrier for mineral oil to enter the food, or both. Additionally, there is a chance that the product will come into direct touch with the ink written on the interior surface.
Each ink includes more than 6000 components, according to the European Printing Association (EuPIA). Only 15% of them have undergone extensive toxicological testing; the remaining ones lack conclusive findings. Consequently, unless there is convincing proof of complete safety, the Association advises against ink and food coming into direct touch.
Conclusion
We believe that by sharing the information above, everyone will understand what MOAH and MOSH are. These are minerals that are hazardous to humans and can contaminate food in a variety of ways. For further information, please visit Minh Sang’s website.
