The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said exporters need to start testing food shipments for mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbon (MOAH) content in preparation for European Union (EU) rules coming into effect in the new year.
In a statement on Monday, the DTI said the EU regulation limiting MOAH levels in various food products takes effect on January 1, with coconut products from the Philippines likely to be most affected.
“Exporters are advised to initiate MOAH testing, review processing and packaging practices, and closely coordinate with EU buyers on compliance requirements,” the DTI said.
The regulation amends Regulation (EU) 2023/915 in light of health concerns raised about MOAH, which can be introduced into food products in processing equipment, lubricants, packaging materials or by transport.
“Non-compliant products may face EU border rejection or market withdrawal,” the DTI said.
Coconut oil, desiccated coconut, coconut milk and cream and processed foods containing coconut ingredients are likely to be affected.
According to the DTI, coconut oil is the Philippines' top agricultural export, generating $2.87 billion in revenue last year.
Other Philippine exports that may be affected are grains and cereals; Milk and dairy products; cocoa beans and cocoa products; Confectionery items; Food Additives; food supplements; and other processed and mixed foods containing the above ingredients.
The European Commission (EC) has designated MOAH as a genotoxic carcinogen.
“Maximum levels of MOAH in food should be set to ensure a high level of human health protection,” the EC said.
“Those maximum levels should be applied regardless of the source of contamination, meaning they should apply to contaminants that were originally present in the raw material or material or that occurred during the production process, transportation and packaging,” it noted. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz