Automated Detection of MOSH/MOAH in Food: Key Webinar Insights

In today’s food testing landscape, laboratories face mounting pressure to deliver faster, more reliable results, especially when it comes to complex contaminants like MOSH (Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons) and MOAH (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons). That’s why automation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Our recent technical webinar, co-hosted by Dr. Andreas Bruchmann (Trajan) and Dr. Sebastian Wißmüller (Chemisches Institut Burkon Partnerschaft, Nürnberg), dives deep into how automated workflows are transforming MOSH/MOAH analysis in routine food testing. If you missed it live, the session is now available on demand—and it’s packed with practical insights for labs looking to scale precision and efficiency.

A Collaboration Between Industry and Laboratory Experts

Dr. Bruchmann, representing Trajan’s analytical innovation, joined forces with Dr. Wißmüller, Head of R&D at the Chemisches Institut Burkon Partnerschaft, a second-generation, family-run contract lab with over 50 years of experience in food analytics. Together, they showcased how cutting-edge instrumentation and real-world lab expertise converge to solve one of food safety’s most persistent challenges.

From Manual to Automated: A Real-World Transformation

Sebastian's team at Burkon changed their workflows, moving from traditional, manually-driven processes to a fully automated CHRONECT-based system. The result?

• 15× reduction in manual prep time
• Up to 30 samples/day throughput
• Validated performance across diverse matrices including oils, sausages, chocolate, and even spices

The automated workflow integrates saponification, extraction, evaporation, and epoxidation—delivering reproducible results with minimal analyst intervention.

Epoxidation That Works—Across All Matrices

One standout insight: the use of performic acid in halogenated solvent (e.g. 1-chlorobutane) as an epoxidation reagent. Compared to legacy methods using mCPBA, this approach offers:

• Superior matrix compatibility
• Stable reagent handling
• Lower toxicity and cost
• Excellent recovery and precision, meeting JRC acceptance criteria

Sebastian shared validation data showing consistent z-scores across reference materials and strong performance even in challenging samples like turmeric and infant formula.

What This Means for Your Lab

Whether you're testing vegetable oils, processed meats, or complex spice blends, automated MOSH/MOAH workflows offer:

• Scalable throughput for high-volume labs
• Regulatory-ready precision for EU and global standards
• Reduced rework and manual error
• Faster turnaround times for client reporting
  
  

Watch the Webinar On-Demand

Ready to see the system in action? Watch the full webinar to explore the validated workflow, hear from both Dr. Bruchmann and Dr. Wißmüller, and learn how automation can elevate your lab’s MOSH/MOAH capabilities.