Mineral oil in food: A Belgian market survey

In the last few years, migration of mineral oil from packaging materials into various foods has been reported (Vollmer et al. 2011; EFSA CONTAM Panel 2012; Foodwatch 2015). However, mineral oil can enter the food via different routes: (i) certain mineral oils are allowed as additives (e.g. E905a), (ii) as a pollutant from atmospheric precipitation or aquatic pollution, (iii) due to processing of food (e.g. use of machine oils and anti-dusting products) and (iv) as a residue coming from ingredients from pesticides, or components from printing inks on paper and board packaging. Occurrence data of mineral oil in food sold on the Belgian market are lacking.