LW-99-133 UPDATE ON THE AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE WHITE OILS AND WAXES RESEARCH PROGRAM

Description:

Highly refined mineral hydrocarbon white oils and petroleum waxes are widely used in foods, food packaging, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products (Figure 1). Historically, the safe use of these products for human consumption has been supported by a number of subchronic and chronic feeding studies in dogs and different rat strains (Hulse et al., 1992; Smith et al., 1995; Shubik et al., 1962). However, one particular strain of rat, the Fischer 344 (F344), shows effects. F344 rats fed relatively high levels of certain mineral hydrocarbon products develop inflammatory changes in tissues, principally in the liver and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) (Baldwin et al., 1992; Smith et al., 1996). In light of the F344 data, the safety of food-grade white oils and waxes is being questioned by European regulators.