The European Commission (EC) has announced an update to its proposal for the regulation of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) levels in food, ahead of the expected vote by the Standing Committee for Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF) on May 13th, 2026.
In addition to the previously announced categories, "Fish oils and oils from other marine organisms and algae" and "food supplements," the new proposal now includes a three-year exemption for fish oils, as well as oils from other marine organisms and algae, that are destined for further refining and are labelled as such.
Effectively, a maximum level (ML) for crude fish oils will not be enforced until January 1st, 2030.
The current proposal for MOAH will, as of January 1st, 2027, be max 10 mg/kg for fish oils, oils from other marine organisms and algae (excluding crude fish oils destined for refining), as well as for dietary supplements.
This ML will be reduced to 5 mg/kg on January 1st, 2030, for the above categories, including crude fish oil intended for refining.
Other categories of potential relevance, such as additives and infant formula, are included in the new proposal.
GOED said in a statement that the creation of this exemption followed the submission of two letters by the company to the EC and discussions raised by at least two EU-based GOED members, pointing out the significant challenges that would result from extending an ML for MOAH to crude fish oils intended for refining.
GOED added that the company was "pleased with the outcome of our recent efforts and appreciates the updated viewpoint by the EC."