Contaminated chocolate advent calendar Almost all calendars contaminated with carcinogenic mineral oil

Mineral oil residues in chocolate advent calendars

In a few days it is time and the first door of the Advent calendar may be opened. Anyone who chooses products that are filled with chocolate, should deal with the results of an investigation of the consumer magazine "eco-test". Because the test showed that almost all chocolate advent calendars are loaded with mineral oil residues.

Mineral oil round in food

For years, there have always been reports of discoveries of mineral oil in food. In recent years, for example, mineral oil residues have been detected in many cereals, in various types of tuna and in meat substitutes. Sweets are also frequently affected, such as Ferrero's children's bars, chocolate Easter bunnies and numerous advent calendars. In the latter, dangerous substances were discovered again this year.

The consumer magazine "Öko-Test" has tested 20 chocolate advent calendars in the laboratory for saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons. It turned out that almost all products are contaminated with mineral oil. (Image: lagom / fotolia.com)

Saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons in chocolate

Although experts have been pointing out for years the health risks of mineral oil residues in food, the situation does not appear to improve:

A recent study by the consumer magazine "Öko-Test" showed that residues of mineral oil were contained in almost all tested chocolate Advent calendars.

As the experts on their website report, they have tested a total of 20 advent calendars in the lab for saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons.

These can come from packaging, ingredients and transport contaminants.

Since the focus was exclusively on mineral oil, the testers did not award an overall judgment, but only a "test result mineral oil".

More than a quarter of the products are heavily contaminated

As reported by "Öko-Test", the grades under the "Mineral Oil Test Results" range from "very good" to "poor". Almost all calendars are charged.

The products that have been declared unsatisfactory are, according to a message from Consumer Service Bavaria: Alnatura Advent Calendar Puzzle, Plamil So Free MilkOrganic Chocolate Alternative from Plamill Foods, Dopuceur My Advent Calendar 2018 from Penny, Dragons Whole Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar from Bip, Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Advent Calendar by Wawi and Diaper Advent Calendar by Diaper.

Overall, only two advent calendars with "very good" and six with "good" are recommended.

Of the three organic products tested, only one cuts off "well".

The test result in detail can be called up on the website of "Öko-Test" for a fee.

All calendars contain saturated hydrocarbons

As the experts report, all calendars contain saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH / POSH).

The lab has found "very high" levels in four products, including those from Penny, Diaper and Alnatura. The proven levels in eight other Advent calendars were rated as "greatly increased".

According to health experts, saturated petroleum hydrocarbons accumulate in adipose tissue and in organs such as the liver.

In animal experiments, MOSH caused damage to the liver and lymph nodes.

POSH, on the other hand, are still under research. "Öko-Test" rates them as MOSH, because they can not be separated in the laboratory and may have a similar effect.

Legal limits do not exist in this country so far.

Carcinogenic compounds

According to the experts, the commissioned laboratory has also detected aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH) in the products Dragons Whole Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar, Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Advent Calendar and Diaper Advent Calendar.

Under MOAH can also be compounds that can excite cancer in the slightest amount.

According to the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), "there should be no demonstrable transition from MOAH to food."

However, there are no limits at European or national level for these contaminants. (Ad)