Petroleum Jelly
Also known as: E905b, petrolatum, white petrolatum, soft paraffin
Petroleum jelly/petrolatum is permitted by FDA under 21 CFR 172.880 only when meeting specific purity requirements (food-grade white petrolatum). EFSA's evaluations of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH/MOSH/MOAH) have raised concerns: aromatic fractions (MOAH) are potentially genotoxic and carcinogenic, and saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) accumulate in tissues.
What it is
Petroleum jelly (E905b, also called petrolatum or microcrystalline wax-based jelly) is a refined petroleum-derived hydrocarbon.
Glazing agent, release agent, surface coating on food and confectionery.
Why it's flagged
- MOAH fraction potentially genotoxic/carcinogenic per EFSA
- MOSH fraction accumulates in body tissues
- purity-grade dependent — non-food grade prohibited
What regulators actually say
"White mineral oil may be safely used in or on food in accordance with the following prescribed conditions."
"Aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH) may include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are mutagenic and carcinogenic; the CONTAM Panel concluded they could be of potential concern for human health."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
permitted under 21 CFR 172.880 with strict purity specs
European Union — EFSA
E905b authorized with strict specifications; EFSA 2012 raised MOAH concerns
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