MOAH (mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons) are a group of hydrocarbon compounds containing aromatic structures that can occur as components of mineral oil mixtures and can enter food through environmental, processing, or packaging-related sources.
MOAH can occur alongside MOSH in mineral oil mixtures. Some MOAH, particularly those with certain structural characteristics, are of toxicological concern because some aromatic hydrocarbons are capable of causing harmful biological effects.
The term describes a broad analytical group rather than one single chemical. Consequently, the presence of “MOAH” does not by itself identify the specific compounds present or determine the level of health risk.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- MOSH: saturated hydrocarbons rather than the aromatic hydrocarbons represented by MOAH.
- MOH: the broader category encompassing mineral oil hydrocarbon fractions.
SEE ALSO
