Mineral Oils in Food: Major Sources and Analytical Determination

Abstract

Mineral oils are complex Mixtures of Saturated (MOSH) and Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH), which can reach the food through different routes (environment, field production, food processing and packaging). Particularly, the use of recycled paper for food contact has raised an increased concern due to the presence of huge amounts of MOSH and MOAH that can migrate into food. Recycled cardboard contains mineral oil from different routes such as newspaper and other printed paper entering the recycling process, adhesives, solvents, waxes and additives used in the production process as well as printing inks and sealants used in the final product. This mini-review deals with the issue of food contamination with mineral oils, focusing on possible sources and analytical methods for their determination in food.