Recent advances in sample preparation for the determination of mineral oil saturated (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in food matrices

The analysis of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH), particularly the saturated (MOSH) and aromatic (MOAH) fractions, has gained importance due to their widespread occurrence in food and associated health concerns. Human exposure mainly occurs through diet, with toxicological outcomes strongly dependent on the compounds' molecular structure, ranging from rapid metabolic clearance to potential carcinogenicity. Accurate quantification relies on efficient sample preparation prior to chromatographic analysis. Typical procedures involve analyte extraction, saponification to remove triglycerides, and clean-up strategies such as treatment with activated aluminium oxide or epoxidation, sometimes followed by enrichment. Nonetheless, their applicability depends on the target analytes and matrix interferences. This review summarizes recent advances (2020–2025) in sample preparation strategies for MOH analysis reported over the last five years. In addition to analytical performance, the sustainability and practicality of these methods is evaluated using green (AGREEprep) and blue (BAGI) metrics yielding scores ranging from 0.11 to 0.43 and from 50 to 70, respectively, thereby highlighting key opportunities for improvement in MOH analysis and providing insights into the applicability of current sample preparation methods. • Edible oils are the most studied matrix due to high MOH accumulation potential. • Review of sample preparation strategies for MOH in foods. • Sample preparation is key: extraction, saponification, alumina, epoxidation & enrichment. • Saponification and epoxidation are key for reducing matrix interferences. • Methods must adapt to matrix fat content to achieve lower LOQs.