The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has urged local exporters to begin testing their food products for mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), warning that a proposed European Union (EU) policy could block their entry into the region.

In a statement, the DTI notified food exporters of a proposed EU regulation that aims to set mandatory maximum levels for MOAH in various food products by Jan. 1, 2027.

The policy seeks to amend a longstanding regulation on MOAH due to health concerns related to the chemical compound, which may originate from processing equipment, lubricants, packaging materials, or transport.

In the proposal by the European Commission (EC), the EU’s executive arm, exposure to MOAH in food is flagged as a major concern because it may act as a genotoxic carcinogen that can cause cancer.

“Maximum levels for MOAH in food should therefore be set to ensure a high level of human health protection,” the EC said.

“Those maximum levels should apply regardless of the source of the contamination, which means that they should apply to contaminations that were originally present in raw materials or ingredients or that occurred during the production process, transport, and packaging,” it added.

The DTI said this policy would affect the country’s exports of coconut oil and coconut-based products, such as desiccated coconut, coconut milk and cream, and processed foods containing coconut ingredients.

Coconut oil is the country’s top agricultural export and ranks sixth among all commodities, reaching $2.87 billion in revenues last year, based on DTI data.

In addition, food exports that may be affected include cereals and grains, milk and dairy products, cocoa beans and cocoa products, confectionery items, food additives, food supplements, as well as other processed and compound foods containing these ingredients.

To ensure compliance with the proposed policy, the DTI said exporters should begin MOAH testing, review processing and packaging practices, and coordinate with buyers in the EU.

“Noncompliant products may face EU border rejection or market withdrawal,” the agency warned.

The proposed EU policy will accept public comments until May 10.

The DTI asked local exporters to submit comments on the policy through the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) enquiry point for sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and clearances to ensure that the government can relay their concerns.

Philippine shipments to the EU rose by 21 percent to $9.76 billion last year from $8.07 billion the previous year.