The ongoing attention on MOSH & MOAH

Palm oil is the vegetable oil with the highest production rate in the world and it is present in our daily lives, from bread spreads to baby food or face cream. One aspect which is increasingly gaining global attention is the potential contamination of the palm oil in the manufacturing process.

One of the many potential source of contaminations is the lubricants used in the machines in the extraction and processing of palm oil. Even small traces of mineral oil hydrocarbons in food, called MOSH & MOAH contamination can potentially cause an adverse effect on human health. MOSH (Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons) and MOAH (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons) not only accumulates in human tissue, it may also cause adverse effects in the liver, moreover, their carcinogenic effects cannot be ruled out. The European Union therefore calls for stronger controls on the monitoring of mineral oil hydrocarbons in food and in materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. This demand currently causes a considerable amount of uncertainty among food manufacturers, as reports about MOSH / MOAH findings can have negative effects such as expensive call-backs, as well as damage to the company's reputation. Leading food manufacturers are therefore increasingly pushing for the replacement of mineral oil-based products with H1 lubricants in the machines and plants of all production steps involved in processing palm oil.

 

In response to a request made by a customer (a new palm oil company commencing operations in late 2022), we sat down in a virtual training with the relevant team besides PT Arianto Darmawan team, Mr. Chow Chan Loong from KLMAL and Mr. Callum Macleod from KLTH on May 18, 2022.

Further to the essential training, we addressed their queries on factors that could lead to an increase in MOSH & MOAH and discussed the use of synthetic oils that would lead to higher engine performance at the same time.  

Using our knowledge of the topic and experience of lubrication in all industries, beyond food and beverage sector, we help our customers identify lacking practices and promote best practices that would minimise possible contamination to support food safety through conducting a production line and utilities audit. The promotion of best practices around machine maintenance in addition to the use of food grade lubricants will certainly assist our customers in managing MOSH & MOAH within the international standards.

KLSEA is always happy to support you through provision of trainings for you and your customers in achieving better understanding on the issues and solutions on hand.


Written by:
Ian Goh, KLSEA