Increasing requirements regarding the quality and safety of dietary supplements mean that manufacturers are paying more and more attention to contaminants that can enter the product at various stages of its development. One group of substances requiring control is mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH), which include the MOSH and MOAH fractions.
Their presence may be related to the quality of raw materials used, as well as the production process, processing aids, packaging, or transport. Therefore, the determination of MOSH and MOAH is an essential element of a comprehensive quality assessment of dietary supplements.
What are MOSH and MOAH?
Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) are a complex group of chemical compounds that, for safety and quality assessment purposes, are primarily divided into two main fractions:
MOSH (Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons) – saturated mineral oil hydrocarbons. Compounds belonging to this group can enter the body through food and dietary supplements, and some of them may accumulate in certain organs and tissues, including the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.
MOAH (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons) – aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons. This fraction may contain compounds with genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. For this reason, the presence of MOAH receives special attention regarding the safety of products intended for consumption.
Both fractions can originate from different sources and behave differently in the body; therefore, their determination should be treated as part of a broader contaminant control system.
Where can MOSH and MOAH in dietary supplements come from?
Contamination with mineral oil hydrocarbons can occur at various stages of the supply chain. The active ingredient itself is not always the source of the problem. These compounds can also enter the product through contact with materials used during production, packaging, transport, or storage.
Potential sources of MOSH and MOAH include:
- raw materials of plant origin exposed to environmental contamination,
- lubricants used in production equipment,
- processing aids used in technological processes, packaging materials,
- in particular recycled paper and cardboard,
- printing inks used on packaging,
- contamination occurring during transport and storage.
This means that quality control should not be limited solely to testing the finished supplement. It is also important to identify potential sources of contamination throughout the entire supply chain.
Which dietary supplements require special attention?
The risk of MOSH and MOAH occurrence may vary depending on the type of raw materials, formulation, production technology, and the packaging used.
Particular attention is required for, among others:
- plant extracts and herbal preparations,
- soft capsules (softgels),
- oil-based supplements, e.g., containing omega-3 fatty acids or MCT oil,
- products containing vegetable oils,
- preparations containing beeswax or other waxy ingredients,
- powder supplements packed in packaging made from recycled cardboard.
In the case of products containing significant amounts of lipid ingredients, monitoring both the quality of the raw material and the conditions of its processing and storage is of particular importance.
How can contamination occur during production?
The production process is one of the stages where the product may come into contact with sources of MOSH and MOAH. Lubricants used for the maintenance of machinery and equipment can be a potential source, among others.
The selection of processing aids and the control of materials used in the technological process are also important. In the production of dietary supplements, it is therefore crucial not only to follow hygiene procedures, but also to properly manage chemical risks.
Identifying potential sources of contamination allows for reducing the risk of their entry into the final product.
Can packaging be a source of MOSH and MOAH?
Packaging materials are another element that must be taken into account during risk assessment.
Particular attention is paid to recycled paper and cardboard. Printing inks and substances used during the production and processing of packaging materials can also be a potential source of mineral oil hydrocarbons.
For supplements sensitive to contaminant migration, the appropriate selection of packaging and its testing can be a key element of the quality assurance strategy.
Why is it worth testing MOSH and MOAH in food supplements?
Regular laboratory testing allows manufacturers not only to detect the presence of potential contaminants, but also to better manage risks throughout the entire production process.
The determination of MOSH and MOAH can support manufacturers in:
- raw material quality assessment,
- production process monitoring,
- verification of packaging material safety,
- qualification and periodic evaluation of suppliers,
- quality control of finished products,
- meeting the requirements of clients and retail chains,
- reducing the risk of non-compliance and product recalls.
Test results can also be used to identify process steps requiring additional preventive actions.
MOSH and MOAH testing as part of quality management
Contaminant control should not be treated solely as an action taken in response to a problem. Incorporating MOSH and MOAH testing into the quality monitoring program allows for a preventive approach to the issue.
Regular analysis of raw materials and finished products can help determine at which stage of the supply chain the risk of contamination arises. Combined with supplier evaluation, production process control, and proper packaging selection, this provides the manufacturer with the opportunity to manage risk more effectively.
This is particularly important for products intended for long-term use and supplements containing raw materials with a potentially higher risk of contamination.
The importance of MOSH and MOAH control for the dietary supplement market
A few years ago, the determination of mineral oil hydrocarbons was primarily associated with food safety control and food contact materials. Currently, this topic is also gaining importance in the dietary supplement industry.
Growing consumer expectations, client requirements, and an increasing emphasis on documented product quality mean that manufacturers must pay attention to potential sources of contamination at every stage of the supply chain.
Early detection of MOSH and MOAH allows for more effective identification of problem sources, implementation of corrective actions, and reduction of risks related to the quality and safety of dietary supplements.
MOSH and MOAH Testing at J.S. Hamilton
J.S. Hamilton laboratories offer testing for the determination of MOSH and MOAH fractions in dietary supplements. The analyses can be part of a comprehensive quality control of raw materials and finished products, supporting manufacturers in identifying potential sources of contamination and managing product safety.