Evaluating the risk to humans from mineral oils in foods: Current state of the evidence

Update of the risk assessment of mineral oil hydrocarbons in food

Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) are composed of saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). Due to the complexity of the MOH composition, their complete chemical characterisation is not possible. MOSH accumulation is observed in various tissues, with species-specific differences. Formation of liver epithelioid lipogranulomas and inflammation, as well as increased liver and spleen weights, are observed in Fischer 344 (F344) rats, but not in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. These effects are related to specific accumulation of wax components in the liver of F344 rats, which is not observed in SD rats or humans. The CONTAM Panel concluded that F344 rats are not an appropriate model for effects of MOSH with wax components. A NOAEL of 236 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day, corresponding to the highest tested dose in F344 rats of a white mineral oil product virtually free of wax components, was selected as relevant reference point (RP). The highest dietary exposure to MOSH was estimated for the young population, with lower bound-upper bound (LB-UB) means and 95th percentiles of 0.085-0.126 and 0.157-0.212 mg/kg bw per day, respectively. Considering a margin of exposure approach, the Panel concluded that the present dietary exposure to MOSH does not raise concern for human health for all age classes. Genotoxicity and carcinogenicity are associated with MOAH with three or more aromatic rings. For this subfraction, a surrogate RP of 0.49 mg/kg bw per day, calculated from data on eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, was considered. The highest dietary exposure to MOAH was also in the young population, with LB-UB mean and 95th percentile estimations of 0.003-0.031 and 0.011-0.059 mg/kg bw per day, respectively. Based on two scenarios on three or more ring MOAH contents in the diet and lacking toxicological information on effects of 1 and 2 ring MOAH, a possible concern for human health was raised.

The Mineral Oil Hydrocarbon Paradox in Olive Pomace Oils

The aim of this work was to understand the actual content of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) in olive pomace oil in order to contribute to the monitoring requested by EFSA for the food groups making a relevant impact on human background exposure. Such information will complement both the information inferred from the limits established by the EU and the interpretation of the coming toxicological risk assessment. At the same time, the origin of such a group of compounds is discussed. From the raw material to the commercial product, olive pomace oils were sampled and analyzed at different points and/or conditions. Through the ultimate online HPLC-GC-FID system, we gathered information on the MOH concentrations and molecular mass profiles (C-fractions), and through GCxGC-TOF/MS, we identified the key structures that prove the innocuousness of the mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbon (MOAH) fraction. Our approaches provided chromatographic signals on the C10-C50 range, rendering 33-205 mg/kg mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) and 2-55 mg/kg MOAH in the commercial product. The results confirmed that the C25-C35 cut is the main fraction to which humans are exposed via olive pomace oil, showing concentrations highly dependent on the extraction process. Moreover, the identification of the main MOAH groups showed that in olive pomace oil, mainly 1- and 2-ring species were present, being virtually free of the carcinogenic 3-7 ring aromatics.

Biscuit Contaminants, Their Sources and Mitigation Strategies: A Review

The scientific literature is rich in investigations on the presence of various contaminants in biscuits, and of articles aimed at proposing innovative solutions for their control and prevention. However, the relevant information remains fragmented. Therefore, the objective of this work was to review the current state of the scientific literature on the possible contaminants of biscuits, considering physical, chemical, and biological hazards, and making a critical analysis of the solutions to reduce such contaminations. The raw materials are primary contributors of a wide series of contaminants. The successive processing steps and machinery must be monitored as well, because if they cannot improve the initial safety condition, they could worsen it. The most effective mitigation strategies involve product reformulation, and the use of alternative baking technologies to minimize the thermal load. Low oxygen permeable packaging materials (avoiding direct contact with recycled ones), and reformulation are effective for limiting the increase of contaminations during biscuit storage. Continuous monitoring of raw materials, intermediates, finished products, and processing conditions are therefore essential not only to meet current regulatory restrictions but also to achieve the aim of banning dietary contaminants and coping with related diseases.