Europe sets MOAH limits in food effective immediately
Under pressure from consumer organisation foodwatch, the European Commission has established limits for the presence of MOAH in food products. No transition period has been offered to businesses…is that fair?
Europe's Standing Committe on Plants, Animal, Food and Feed published a joint declaration establishing limits on the presence of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in food.
Instead of opting for maximum limits, the Committee has outlined stricter limits of quantification (LOQ), separating food categories into three levels.
For dry food with a low fat/oil content of equal to or less than 4%, 0.5 mg/kg of MOAH is permitted; for foods with a higher fat/oil content, of more than 4%, 1 mg/kg MOAH is permitted; and 2 mg/kg of MOAH is allowed for fats and oils.
The new levels, effective immediately, are not legally binding. It is up to Member States to enforce the new requirements.