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Answer: Mineral Oil is restricted (not fully banned) in European Union (E905 restricted to specific applications; extensive ongoing EFSA evaluation of MOSH/MOAH contamination), Australia (restricted levels). The FDA still allows it in US food. Commonly found in: Waxy coating on fresh apples, Waxy coating on cucumbers and citrus, Some candies (as release agent).
TL;DR: Mineral Oil is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
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Also called White mineral oil. (E905)
Other names: White mineral oil, Paraffinum liquidum, E905, Petroleum wax, Petrolatum
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | — |
| Where it shows up | Waxy coating on fresh apples, Waxy coating on cucumbers and citrus, Some candies (as release agent), Processed cheese (as release agent), Chewing gum base, Baking pan release agents |
Mineral oil (E905) is a refined petroleum product used as a food-grade lubricant, coating agent, and glazing agent in food processing and production. Food-grade mineral oil is a highly refined grade of petroleum distillate with specifications limiting impurities. It differs from pharmaceutical-grade (Vaseline) and cosmetic-grade mineral oils in refinement level.
Food-grade mineral oil is used to coat fresh produce (apples, cucumbers, citrus) to prevent moisture loss and improve appearance, as a release agent in baking and food processing equipment, and as a lubricant for food-contact machinery. It is also used in some candies and chewing gum.
EFSA has raised significant concerns about mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) contamination in food through two pathways: (1) deliberate food-grade mineral oil use in coatings and processing, and (2) migration from recycled paper and cardboard food packaging into food. MOH comprises two types: mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH), which accumulate in human adipose tissue, liver, and spleen, and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), which include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are potentially carcinogenic. A 2011 Swiss study found mineral oil hydrocarbons in human liver and spleen samples from autopsy, demonstrating real bioaccumulation. EFSA's 2023 preliminary opinion identified MOAH contamination in food as a safety concern that cannot be dismissed, recommending ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) minimization. Untreated and mildly treated mineral oils are IARC Group 1 human carcinogens for occupational inhalation. Highly refined food-grade mineral oil (E905) is not classified as a direct carcinogen, but MOAH contamination in even food-grade mineral oil is an ongoing concern.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Mineral Oilwith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Carnauba wax (E903), shellac (E904), beeswax (E901), and plant-based wax alternatives coat produce without petroleum-derived compounds. Organic produce cannot be coated with petroleum mineral oil by USDA organic standards.
Food-grade mineral oil used to coat apples is considered safe by the FDA. However, EFSA has raised concerns about MOAH contamination in food-grade mineral oil and recommends minimizing exposure. Organic apples cannot use petroleum mineral oil coatings.
MOSH (mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons) and MOAH (mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons) are the two fractions of mineral oil. MOSH accumulate in human tissues; MOAH contain potentially carcinogenic PAHs. EFSA considers MOAH contamination a food safety concern.
Yes. MOSH accumulates in human adipose tissue, liver, and spleen. A 2011 Swiss study found mineral oil hydrocarbons in human tissue samples, demonstrating bioaccumulation from dietary exposure over a lifetime.
Yes — this is a significant EFSA concern. Mineral oil can migrate from recycled cardboard and paper packaging into food. Studies have found MOSH and MOAH in cereals, rice, and other products packaged in recycled paper materials.
Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is a semi-solid mixture of mineral oils and waxes. It shares petroleum origins with food-grade mineral oil but is refined differently. Food-grade mineral oil (E905) meets stricter food-safety purity specifications.
Washing produce can reduce but not fully remove waxy coatings including mineral oil. Peeling eliminates the coating entirely. Choosing organic produce avoids petroleum mineral oil coatings.
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Yes — IARC classifies untreated and mildly treated mineral oils as Group 1 human carcinogens for occupational inhalation exposure. Highly refined food-grade mineral oil (E905) is not classified as a direct carcinogen, though MOAH contamination concerns remain.
Choose organic produce (cannot use petroleum mineral oil coatings). Wash produce thoroughly. Choose products in minimal or barrier-lined packaging to reduce packaging migration. Check labels for 'mineral oil,' 'E905,' or 'white mineral oil.'
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