The Council of the European Union has published an annex to a Commission regulation that establishes maximum levels for mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in a wide range of foodstuffs, including oils, nuts, cereals, dairy, spices, and infant foods. The document, dated 23 July 2026, amends Regulation (EU) 2023/915 and sets phased-in limits to protect public health by reducing dietary exposure to carcinogenic contaminants.
The regulation introduces a general maximum level of 2.0 mg/kg for MOAH in oilseeds, oil fruits, and tree nuts, with deferred compliance for oils destined for further refining (2.0 mg/kg from 2030). Stepwise reductions apply to certain oils such as groundnut, sesame, and coconut oils (6.0 mg/kg from 2027, 4.0 from 2028, 2.0 from 2030), while olive oils face limits of 4.0 mg/kg from 2027 and 2.0 from 2028. Limits for spices, dried herbs, and tea start at 10.0 mg/kg from 2027 and tighten to 5.0 mg/kg from 2030. Processed and compound foods must comply with limits based on fat content, ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 mg/kg from 2030, with special provisions for high-spice products.
Food business operators will need to monitor and reduce MOAH levels, requiring changes in processing, sourcing, or refining practices. The phased timelines (2027–2030) allow industry adaptation but may increase costs for reformulation, testing, and supply chain adjustments. Spice, herb, and tea producers face significant reductions, potentially impacting imports and processing methods. Harmonised EU-wide limits enforce equal food safety standards across Member States, reducing internal market barriers but posing compliance challenges for non-EU exporters. Consumers will benefit from reduced dietary exposure to carcinogenic mineral oil contaminants, improving public health. Enforcement will require competent authorities to conduct testing and ensure labelling compliance for products destined for further refining or final use.
The regulation is expected to be formally adopted by the Commission and will apply across all Member States. Food business operators should prepare for the first compliance deadlines in 2027.