Ensuring food safety is a shared responsibility, and in the BENELUX region, the spotlight is increasingly on MOSH/MOAH testing. These mineral oil hydrocarbons, often introduced via packaging, lubricants, or environmental exposure, are under growing scrutiny due to their potential health risks, especially MOAH fractions with three or more aromatic rings, which are considered genotoxic and carcinogenic.
The challenge? Conventional testing methods, such as LC-GC-FID, often fall short of expectations. They may produce false positives or fail to differentiate between harmful and harmless compounds, leading to unnecessary recalls, reputational risks, and compliance uncertainty.
At Klüber Lubrication, we take a pioneering approach. In collaboration with leading laboratories, we apply advanced two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS). This high-resolution technique enables precise separation and identification of hydrocarbon fractions, even in complex food matrices. It also distinguishes between biogenic and fossil-origin compounds, which is essential for accurate risk assessment.
But technology alone isn’t enough. Expertise makes the difference. Our specialists support food manufacturers in interpreting analytical results, identifying contamination sources, and implementing targeted mitigation strategies. This ensures not only compliance with current national thresholds (such as the Netherlands’ 0.5 mg/kg MOAH limit) but also prepares you for the upcoming EU-wide regulation under (EU) 2023/915, expected to take full effect by 2027.
The benefit? You gain clarity, avoid costly missteps, and strengthen your position as a responsible, future-ready food producer.
Are your current testing strategies delivering the full picture? With Klüber Lubrication, you’re not just testing, you’re investing in trust, transparency, and technical excellence.
