EU prepares to introduce new limits on MOAH in food products

The European Union plans to formally adopt new maximum levels for mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in food products in October 2026. The proposed amendment to EU Regulation 2023/915 was already backed by member states at a meeting of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SC PAFF) on May 13.

MOAH belong to the broader group of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) and may include potentially carcinogenic compounds. They can enter food products at various stages of the supply chain, including during processing, transportation and packaging.

The proposed changes would introduce mandatory maximum MOAH concentrations for specific categories of food products. The limits will be expressed in mg/kg, or ppm, for total MOAH with carbon chain lengths ranging from C10 to C50.

The new rules are intended to strengthen controls on mineral oil contamination in food and could introduce additional requirements for producers and suppliers placing products on the EU market. MOAH controls are particularly relevant for processed foods, where contamination can occur during production and logistics.

Following the favorable vote by EU member states, the amendment is subject to scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council. According to the European Commission, formal adoption of the new maximum MOAH levels is expected in October 2026 if the process is completed without objections.