Investigation of mineral oil hydrocarbon contamination findings in dairy products and dairy-containing foods: Recent warnings and market surveillance reports (2016–2026)

In recent years, mineral oil hydrocarbons, particularly mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), have been identified as contaminants of concern due to their potential for accumulation in human tissues and their possible toxicological effects. It is recommended that milk, dairy products, and dairy-containing foods be examined for MOAH and MOSH residues due to their relatively high fat content, which facilitates the absorption and retention of lipophilic contaminants. This study aimed to evaluate publicly available reports, market surveillance findings, recall notices, and Food and Feed Rapid Alert System (RASFF) notifications related to MOSH and MOAH contamination in dairy products and dairy-containing foods between 2016 and 2026. The study examined RASFF notifications, European market surveillance reports, scientific and technical reports, and similar publicly available records. Products were categorized according to their milk content, including infant products, cheeses, milk-based desserts, cheesecake mixes, milk-based confectionery products, and milk-containing chocolate products. Reported contamination levels and potential sources of contamination were evaluated.

Repeated MOSH and MOAH contamination was reported in infant formula, milk-based confectionery, cheesecake mix, and cheese. Reported MOAH concentrations in infant formula ranged from 0.5 to 5.8 mg/kg, while MOSH and MOAH levels in milk-based confectionery reached 6.8 and 1.2 mg/kg, respectively. German state laboratory data reported by Foodwatch indicated that approximately 28% of 50 infant formula samples tested showed MOAH contamination. Another study conducted in Germany reported that 12 out of 17 infant food samples tested contained MOSH, but none contained MOAH. RASFF reports also indicated that MOAH contamination was found in cheesecake mixes (2.3 mg/kg) and milk-based snack cakes (3.8 mg/kg). Migration from food packaging materials, contamination from vegetable oils used in formulations, contamination from processing equipment lubricants, and contamination occurring during production and distribution were highlighted as the most frequently reported sources of contamination. The findings indicate that MOSH and MOAH contamination is an ongoing problem for dairy products and milk-based foods, particularly infant nutrition products. Continuous monitoring, improved packaging materials, stricter control of food-grade lubricants, and increased control of refined oil-containing ingredients are considered important to minimize contamination risks. In line with increasing regulatory efforts regarding MOAH in Europe, it is recommended that MOSH and MOAH inspection programs be effectively implemented at national and international levels to protect consumer health and maintain confidence in dairy products.

Assoc. Prof. Yasin Ozdemir is an expert in food technology and food science, with a primary focus on fruit and vegetable processing, table olives, olive oil, plant-based foods, and the development of environmentally friendly production techniques. His research integrates product quality, process optimization, and sustainability principles in food systems.
He serves as a scientific and editorial board member and reviewer for various international journals and congresses in food and nutrition sciences. He has authored and co-authored more than 100 scientific publications presented at international congresses and published in peer-reviewed journals.