MOSH MOAH analysis in motion

That is precisely why the NVWA now asks for more than just a total MOAH figure. First there is the screening analysis, which shows whether MOAH is potentially present. If necessary, a confirmation analysis then follows, which establishes whether the result is caused by natural components (such as naturally occurring fatty acids) or by petrogenic fractions that are toxicologically relevant and therefore undesirable. 

Advanced techniques

Eurofins has the techniques to reliably make this distinction. With our two-dimensional GC×GC-FID in combination with GC-MS, we can not only establish whether MOAH is present, but also distinguish which fractions these are and what their possible source is. 

Three steps to clarity

At Eurofins, buyers, food producers and retailers can now go through three steps in MOSH MOAH analysis: 

1. Establishing whether MOSH MOAH is present (mandatory). 
2. If positive MOAH has been demonstrated, determining how much and which components are found (natural or petrogenic, toxicologically relevant or not — also mandatory). 
3. Determining the cause — for example a raw material, a process step, or a packaging material (optional). 

Based on this data, we advise companies on how to prevent MOAH from ending up in their product, for example through process adjustments or alternative packaging materials. 

More broadly applicable across the supply chain

Moreover, MOAH analysis is no longer limited to end products. Retailers and producers increasingly ask their suppliers to also have raw materials tested. Thanks to technological innovations, Eurofins can analyse complex matrices, such as fish oil, supplements or spices. 

According to Ruben Thomaes, MOSH MOAH expert at Eurofins, this fits seamlessly with what's happening in the market: “We notice that manufacturers don't just want certainty for their own end product, but also translate this to their suppliers. They ask for proof that raw materials are MOAH-free. With our new analysis techniques, we can offer that, — from spices to oils. In doing so, we help companies throughout the whole chain to demonstrably produce safely and answer their customers' questions.” 

Eurofins analyses MOSH MOAH in accordance with NVWA guidelines. This gives producers, importers and retailers the certainty that their products are demonstrably safe.