Is Mineral Oil Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Mineral Oil is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Also called White mineral oil. (E905)
Other names: White mineral oil, Paraffinum liquidum, E905, Petroleum wax, Petrolatum
Is Mineral Oil banned in the EU?
| 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 |
What is Mineral Oil?
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.
Why is Mineral Oil used in food?
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.
Is Mineral Oil dangerous? Documented risks
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.
Common US products containing Mineral Oil
- GUMMIESLIFE SAVERS
- Curél Dry Skin Therapy Original LotionCurél
- Nivea Soft Moisturizing CrèmeNivea
- Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean ConditionerPantene
- Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint Body CreamBath & Body Works
- Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Body LotionBath & Body Works
- Cetaphil Moisturizing CreamCetaphil
- CeraVe Moisturizing CreamCeraVe
How to avoid Mineral Oil: safer alternatives
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.
Frequently asked questions about Mineral Oil
Is mineral oil on apples safe?
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.
What are MOSH and MOAH?
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.
Does mineral oil accumulate in the body?
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.
Is mineral oil in packaging contaminating food?
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.
Is Vaseline related to food-grade mineral oil?
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.
Can I wash off mineral oil coating on produce?
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.
Are untreated mineral oils carcinogenic?
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.
How do I minimize mineral oil exposure from food?
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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Sources
- EFSA Scientific Opinion on Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons in Food 2012 — EFSA
- EFSA Preliminary Opinion on MOAH in food 2023 — EFSA
- Zurfluh et al. MOSH accumulation in human tissues 2011 — PubMed/NIH
- FDA on Mineral Oil as food-grade coating — FDA
- IARC on Untreated/Mildly Treated Mineral Oils (Group 1) — IARC
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/10/2026.