White Oil and Waxes – Summary of 90-day Studies

Report no. 93/56: Concawe has conducted a study on white mineral oils and waxes which are representative of those used for food applications. The aim was to help clarify the mixed results found in other toxicity studies with laboratory animals and the implications from a human health viewpoint.

It was found that microcrystalline waxes and 1 00 cSt white oil elicited no adverse effects in the 90-day feeding studies carried out. Biological effects were inversely related to molecular weight, viscosity and melting point, but oil type and processing did not appear to be determinants.

The absorption of mineral hydrocarbons and the nature of the occurrences of the biological responses were confirmed and a new effect for paraffin wax has been identified. Further studies are required to elucidate more fully the mechanism for the responses observed.