Have you ever wondered if the lubricants used in food production are truly safe? Or maybe you’re in the food or beverage industry and didn’t realize that regular machinery lubricants might be putting your product—and your reputation—at risk. Well, if that is the case, food-grade lubricants are your way to go.
But mind, if and only if you want your equipment to run smoothly without jeopardizing the safety of your food products.
So sit back and take a good look at this article to know all about what food-grade lubricants are, how they work to prevent contamination, and why they’re essential for any operation involved with food, beverages, or pharmaceuticals. We’ll also discuss the different types of food-grade lubricants, like H1, H2, and H3, and clear up any concerns around their safety so that you could simply proceed to buy food-grade lubricants of your choice without further confusion.
Rest assured—when used correctly, these multipurpose food-grade lubricants are not only super safe but will also keep your operations clean and compliant.
Food-grade lubricants, commonly used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc., are designed as non-toxic so as to maintain the food processing machinery. These lubricants come in various forms, including oils, greases, silicones, etc., and are formulated to remain safe if come in contact with any consumable products. Food-grade grease also meets rigorous safety and quality standards, including NSF H1 certification. Besides the safety properties mentioned, these lubricants are also engineered to prevent machinery wear, reduce friction, and inhibit corrosion.
Food-grade lubricants are made from synthetic or refined petroleum-based oils, which probably is the reason why they remain colorless, odorless, and tasteless and so help protect food in case of any incidental contact. Other interesting ingredients in these lubricants are additives like anti-corrosion agents, which protect machinery from rust, and anti-wear compounds, which extend equipment lifespan. Some lubricants also have heat-resistant additives that enable them to work incredibly well in high-temperature environments. Silicone-based lubricants are also used in some applications, but only if they meet specific viscosity standards (usually 200 cSt or higher), and this is to ensure safety.
To find out if a lubricant is food-grade, look for NSF H1 certification or other food-safe labels. Certifications like “NSF H1 Registered” indicate that the lubricant is harmless in case of incidental food contact, hence meeting FDA standards for food-processing environments. These certifications also verify that the lubricant meets stringent requirements for food safety, like the NSF’s guidelines, assuring buyers that the product is safe, non-toxic, and approved for use near food products.
Food-grade lubricants are classified into three categories—H1, H2, and H3—each of which is designed for specific applications within the food processing environments.
H1 Lubricants: H1 lubricants are designed in a way that they do not necessarily harm the food if they come into contact, meaning they are entirely safe. These lubricants are used in regions where accidental contact might likely occur, such as on equipment like mixers, conveyors, and slicers, etc. H1 lubricants are formulated from non-toxic ingredients, including synthetic or highly refined non-staining mineral oils. Strict regulatory guidelines mandate that the amount of H1 lubricant in food must not exceed 10 parts per million (ppm). It is safe to say that they are also free of heavy metals and harmful additives. Make sure you look for NSF category H1 certification when selecting H1 lubricants
H2 Lubricants: Unlike H1, H2 lubricants are not entirely food-safe and are therefore used only for machinery parts that have no direct contact with food products. They are used for forklifts or conveyor systems that may be part of the facility but do not necessarily interact directly with food production lines.
H3 Lubricants: H3 lubricants are often water-soluble oils and are directly applied to equipment surfaces that may come into contact with food. Primarily composed of edible oils like soybean or mineral oils, their primary purpose is to protect surfaces, such as hooks and trolleys, from corrosion.
Mixers: Food-grade lubricants protect the moving parts of mixers from any kind of wear and tear during high-speed production.
Filling Machines and Slicers (H1 Lubricants): Ideal for slicers and filling machines H1 lubricants are designed to remain safe when in contact with food.
Maintenance Equipment (H2 Lubricants): Used for purposes like forklifts and facility maintenance equipment, these lubricants are mostly used as support machinery.
Hooks, trolleys, and food contact surfaces (H3 lubricants): These lubricants can be applied directly to surfaces that may contact food as they are harmless.
Oven chains and high-temperature machinery: Heat-resistant food-grade lubricants are vital for ovens and other high-temperature equipment to safeguard performance under intense conditions.
Washdown and Steam-Exposed Areas: Water-resistant lubricants protect machinery in washdown zones and humid areas, preventing rust and corrosion, even under frequent cleaning and steam exposure.
Addinol: A Trusted Name Among Major Food-Grade Lubricants
With customized lubricants for the food processing industry, Addinol is a leading food-grade lubricant provider. The major features that set apart the Addinol product line include:
FoodProof VDL 100 S: This top-quality compressor oil, formulated with polyalphaolefin (PAO), is odorless and biologically safe, making it ideal for compressor lubrication in the food sector. It operates effectively at temperatures from -35°C to +120°C and is designed for screw-type and sliding-vane compressors. With outstanding anti-wear properties, it provides superior protection against corrosion and increases the lifespan of any equipment.
FoodProof CLP 220 WX: This industrial gear oil is drafted with white oil and therefore is suitable for lubricating enclosed industrial gears, such as spur and bevel types. Operating in temperatures from -10°C to +100°C, it is totally harmless. The air- and water-separating properties in it minimize foaming, while other advanced additives enhance performance under high-load conditions.
High-performance food-grade greases lubricants, registered with NSF H1 and compliant with relevant safety standards, minimize the risk of contamination and prevent damage to equipment operating under severe conditions. Trusted providers of food-grade greases lubricants in India like Addinol offer a range of solutions that not only meet these safety benchmarks but also optimize the performance of machinery.