Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) are a broad group of hydrocarbon compounds derived from mineral oils and related substances that may occur in food, packaging, processing environments, or other sources.
MOH are commonly divided into two major groups:
Their sources and toxicological significance differ, which is why the two groups are assessed separately.
MOH can enter food through several routes, including migration from packaging, contact with recycled paper and cardboard, processing lubricants, environmental contamination, and other sources.
Because MOH comprise many chemically different substances, their potential health significance cannot be determined simply from the presence of “mineral oil” as a general category. The composition, concentration, source, and exposure are important.
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