Food News

"Foodwatch Netherlands" has initiated a prominently publicised campaign concerning the presence of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) in Spanish olive oil.

The olive oil was sold in various EU countries, including the Netherlands, but is was recalled as a result of the campaign.

The product involved was related to a level of 53 mg/kg MOAH residues. Importantly, the NVWA acted in line with EU procedures by issuing a RASFF notification and overseeing a product recall. However, Foodwatch criticised the lack of a public warning, using language that may unnecessarily alarm consumers by referencing “toxic” food and “industry influence” on EU policymaking.

Foodwatch demands zero tolerance for MOAH, claiming EU proposals are not stringent enough. But such claims ignore scientific and regulatory complexities.

YOUR PLUS: At AGROLAB laboratories in Barendrecht (NL) and Kiel (DE), residues of mineral oil in food and feed are analysed using accredited methods and sophisticated instrumentation to ensure correct evaluation in line with current EU legislation.

Author: Dr. Frank Mörsberger, AGROLAB GROUP