INFORM March 2025

effective

inform March 2025, Vol. 36 (3) • 25

MOSH/MOAH Monitoring

MOSH limit

MOAH limit

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 -1

MOSH limit = 10.0ppm MOAH limit = 1.0ppm

Unstable MOSH/MOAH level

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

MOSH, ppm

MOAH, ppm

MOSH and MOAH monitoring for crude palm oil

REMAINING CHALLENGES Our team continues to work through the challenge of maintain ing and further reducing MOH contamination. One of the key difficulties is the reliability of analytical methods for detect ing MOH and MOAH concentrations. Natural compounds like squalene and carotene can interfer with the analysis, causing high uncertainties with some laboratories reporting deviations of up to 40 percent. This issue is compounded by the lack of standardized reporting across laboratories, especially at low concentration limits (<1 ppm), where reproducibility remains uncertain. Currently, pretreatment methods like epoxidation are used to remove interfering compounds, but these can also remove MOH, leading to inaccurate results. Distinguishing between biogenic compounds and MOH is another challenge that can result in higher LOQ. Additionally, MOH analysis is costly and time-consuming. As mentioned, food-grade lubricants are safer to use, but are often not economically feasible, and some still con tain MOSH and MOAH. Finally, there are effective reduction methods that can be implemented during refining, but only for shorter carbon analogs (

oils. Diverse regulatory requirements and infrastructure dis parities across the global supply chain further hinder the con sistent maintenance of standards. Keeping pace with evolving international food safety requirements necessitates continu ous adaptation, investment in cutting-edge technologies, and comprehensive workforce training. To overcome these challenges, we are improving oper ational practices by fostering a Culture of Quality (CoQ) to embed food safety principles at all organizational levels. Additionally, we are enhancing analytical methods to improve sample pretreatment techniques, reducing MOH loss during epoxidation in samples with high aromatic content. We are also developing rapid testing methods to facilitate faster cor rective actions. We have developed more effective post-treat ment solutions for MOH removal, alongside migration studies aimed at minimizing MOH transfer from packaging to food products. These initiatives aim to secure a safer supply chain, align with global food safety standards, and address both oper ational and technical hurdles effectively. MOH contamination presents a significant challenge for the palm oil industry but also offers transformational oppor tunities. With regulatory scrutiny and consumer demands for safer and high-quality products intensifying, address ing these issues strategically can drive long-term benefits. By ensuring palm oil’s position in premium non-commodity markets, the industry can cater to global consumer expecta tions while optimizing production efficiencies and stabilizing supply chains. Proactively addressing MOH risks will not only mitigate health and regulatory concerns but also position the industry as a leader in producing responsibly sourced and safe palm oil. Norliza Saparin is head of oils & fats at SD Guthrie Technology Centre, a research and development center in Malaysia that devel ops products and technologies for the palm oil plantation industry. She can be contacted at norliza.saparin@sdguthrie.com.