Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOAH)

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH and MOAH) are saturated (MOSH) and aromatic (MOAH) hydrocarbons made from petroleum. They are contaminants, not added ingredients, so they have no additive number; they can get into food from lubricants, release agents, the environment and packaging. They are not the same thing as food-grade mineral oil (INS 905d/905e).

Identity

Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOAH), contaminants. Number: none (contaminants, not additives). Function: not an added ingredient (Related exposure). How it gets into food: from lubricants, release agents, environmental contamination and packaging. What it is: saturated (MOSH) and aromatic (MOAH) petroleum-derived hydrocarbons. Not the same thing as food-grade mineral oil (INS 905d/905e), which is covered on a separate page.

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This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.