“We had already eaten them”: Theo discovers too late that his kibbles were contaminated and potentially carcinogenic

Théo (assumed first name) contacted us via the orange button alert us after consuming the products recalled by the supplier without knowing it. Moreover, The kibbles in question presented an overly high content in mineral oils. However, Our interlocutor worries: how harmful these substances? &#13. However,

“We bought several packages of frozen kibble a month ago and going to the local supermarket, I see a message to the cash register which signals reminders,” says Théo. Therefore, Immediately, the main interested party takes a photo to check the packages he has at home.

“The one I had left well part of the lot. For example, I deduced that the others too “we had already eaten them”: but we had already consumed them,” he said, disappointed. Therefore, The products concerned were recalled for “too high content in Mosh and Moah mineral oils”. In addition, Neither one nor two. Moreover, our alerter does some research on these substances and falls from the clouds: “I find it a little lamentable to find this kind of product in food. However, »»

Théo says he is “surprised” of “very light communication” despite the potential dangerousness. Consequently, He is also worried.

What are MOHs? – "we had already eaten them":

“Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) include A wide range of chemical compounds obtained mainly from the distillation. refining of oil “Explains EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). These hydrocarbons are classified into two main groups called mosh (hydrocarbons saturated with “we had already eaten them”: mineral oil). moah (aromatic hydrocarbons of mineral oil).

We realize from there that the link with food is not easy. Yet We sometimes find them in certain foodstuffs. “They can penetrate in different ways: contamination of the environment. use of lubricant for machine, migration from materials in contact with food …”, adds EFSA.

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This European authority issued an opinion, updated in 2023, on Risks associated with the presence of these mineral oils in food. It seems that Théo is right to worry, at least in part.

Let’s distinguish Moah and Mosh:

• ” THE MOSH can accumulate in various organs, ”says the opinion. However, it is specified that The current “we had already eaten them”: exhibition “does not raise any major concerns for human health”. It is still stipulated that the safety margin is limited. It should therefore not be said that this product is harmless.
• For them Moah It is more challenging. “They can damage DNA, genetic cell material, and cause cancer. »» The opinion distinguishes different types of moah but affirms that In any case. Additionally, “a risk to human health cannot be excluded”.

Posters. press releases, advertisements on social networks

Even if all this is not very reassuring, it is important to emphasize that Belgium benefits from a high level of food security. AFSCA ensures good respect for the rules. Contacted by us. the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain says that a “investigation is still underway” concerning the recall of croquettes of which Théo speaks.

“The problem originates in a mineral oil leak at a manufacturer of frozen products. ” said the spokesperson. She adds: “The company immediately took the necessary measures. »»

But what measures? Théo believes that communication has not been pushed enough. AFSCA specifies how it works: ” It may happen that a product does not comply with food safety rules. If he has already reached the end consumer, companies must inform through a recall notice. In fact. there are posters in stores, a press release is sent to the press and there is also communication via AFSCA social networks. Everything was done in “we had already eaten them”: the rules in the case that interests us.

To avoid any danger, Businesses are required beforehand to make self -checks. And at the slightest suspicion, they must notify AFSCA.

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