that are not intended to be used in food related, pharmaceutical or cosmetics applications. The concern is based on the possibility that MOAH containing 3-7 membered rings may be potentially carcinogenic. Although aromatics are present in refined petroleum products, the refining processes used to produce mineral oils remove the potentially carcinogenic 3-7 Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PAC). The remaining highly alkylated aromatics (mostly 1-2 rings) are harmless making them safe for their intended use.
Food contact
Food is a global commodity, manufactured and traded in many different countries complying with different levels of legislation. There are many different ways by which hydrocarbons of mineral oil origin can end up in food. Whilst the use of white mineral oils in plastics for food contact or as food additive is regulated by EU legislation, other vectors of hydrocarbon transfer such as paper, glass wood or metal may contribute to overall MOSH/MOAH profile of a product.
Thus, whilst there are legally accepted uses of mineral oils that come into contact with food, there are also risks for contamination by products not intended for food related use at all stages of the food supply chain: at the plant and animal production and harvesting stages; during the storage and transportation phase; and finally during the food processing and packaging.
Ensuring consumer safety The petroleum industry has a long history of safely managing the manufacture, storage, handling and delivery of LBOs, white mineral oils and waxes, to ensure final products loaded and delivered to the manufacturing industry are consistent and safe for the intended final user.
In the case of LBOs, the removal of carcinogenic aromatic hydrocarbons through refining is controlled by the EU legally mandated test IP346. Only LBOs which pass this IP346 test are considered non-carcinogenic.
In the case of wax, the IP346 method and limit is a gatekeeper and applies to the substance from which wax is produced. It gives the “green light” for further processing to meet other regulatory standards. In the case of white oils involved in food, pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries, the strictest requirements for PAC are in place; in addition to the
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requirement that the feedstock is non-carcinogenic (controlled by IP346) the removal of PAC is done to a level at which the refined product fulfils international legal specifications.
In conclusion, refined petroleum products, which are used at different stages of food production or as ingredients in pharmaceutical or cosmetic products, are not carcinogenic.
1 2
https://chemicalwatch.com/61105/consumer- ngo-calls-for-limit-on-lip-balm-mineral-oils
https://www.concawe.eu/wp-content/ uploads/2017/10/DEF_C_MM_digital-1.pdf
EMAIL LINK
marine.teixidor@concawe.eu
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