Emerging Chemical Risks in Food: Advances in Mineral Hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOAH) and Cereulide Testing

Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOAH) and cereulide are emerging chemical risks in foods that are drawing increasing attention. This webinar will provide an overview of MOSH/MOAH contamination in foods, including sources, health concerns, regulatory expectations, and current analytical approaches. Attendees will gain insight into why MOSH/MOAH testing is uniquely challenging and how LC-GC-FID–based methods are used as the industry standard for detection and quantification.

The session will also address cereulide, a highly stable emetic toxin produced by certain Bacillus cereus strains. Recent global infant formula recalls have highlighted the need for direct chemical testing of cereulide, beyond traditional microbiological methods. We will discuss contamination pathways, toxicological relevance, and modern LC-MS/MS testing strategies. Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing Madison will share updates on its expanded analytical capabilities, including a newly implemented cereulide method and the ongoing setup and validation of MOSH/MOAH testing to support food and ingredient manufacturers.

Key takeaways

• Understand what MOSH and MOAH are, how they enter foods, and why these substances represent a toxicological concern.
• Learn why MOSH/MOAH analysis is uniquely challenging and gain insight into current analytical strategies and evolving standards methods.
• Review the cereulide risk landscape, including toxic potency, stability, implicated food categories, and lessons learned from recent global infant formula recalls.
• Learn how chemical cereulide testing by LC-MS/MS complements microbiological methods and supports risk assessment, preventive controls, and incident response.
• Get an update on Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing Madison, WI contaminant capabilities, including cereulide testing under ISO 17025 and the current setup and validation of MOSH/MOAH testing to support food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers.

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