Food Grade Lubricants’ Role in Processing – ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Compliance
Food grade lubricants should comply with the technical qualifications published in the Federal Register, FDA 21CFR 178.3570, as well as with FDA standards for raw materials used in food grade products (such as lubricants) within the U.S., including imports and exports. Food grade H1 products are manufactured from components that have been evaluated and approved by the U.S. FDA and declared safe for use in food processing preparations. The maximum concentration of a lubricant allowed in food is 10 parts per million. Most premium quality H1 lubricants are Kosher and Pareve approved, as well as Halal certified.

NSF H1/food grade lubricants play a key role in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Programs (HACCP). In the U.S., the FDA and USDA demand beverage and other food processors to develop HACCP programs. However, if these processors use 100 percent NSF H1 food grade lubricants, then they are not required to have a HACCP plan with their lubrication program since NSF H1 lubricants are not considered potential chemical hazards.

Performance
Many products for the food industry are referred to as food grade, but it is important to know that only NSF H1 registered lubricants are truly “food grade.” There are misleading marketing claims that white lithium grease is food grade and does not comply with NSF category H1 code. When discussing food grade lubricants, refer to the H1 or 3H category code definitions. There has always been the misconception that food grade lubricants do not perform as well. This may have been true in the past, but today there are food grade lubricants that perform as well as non-food grade lubricants and in many instances offer better performance than conventional lubricants.

All lubricants, including food grade lubricants, need to provide proper lubrication for metal-to-metal surface separation. Anti-wear performance, extreme pressure and high load carrying properties, oxidation stability, rust and corrosion inhibitors, good seal compatibility, and the ability to perform in temperature extreme environments are paramount. They must withstand a broad range of contamination such as process water, steam, high-pressure water cleaning/ sanitation, and acidic conditions. Other contaminants that food grade lubricants must withstand include chemicals, sugar, and substances that are present in the manufacturing process.

For example, Bel-Ray No-Tox Food Grade Lubricants are biostatic, they do not provide an environment in which bacteria, yeasts, and mold can grow. Each Bel-Ray No-Tox product is formulated with EPA Registered and FDA approved anti-microbial agents. These anti-microbial agents prevent the growth of bacteria and control microbial proliferation. Wet environments are especially susceptible to the formation of bacteria, making this a critical factor to address. Bel-Ray No-Tox Food Grade Seamer Oil 150 has been successful in the beverage industry (specifically beer) with regard to the performance of the anti-microbial agent inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria, yeast and mold while controlling microbial proliferation all the way to the filter system on Angelus can seamers until all of the bacteria was filtered out and all containment areas were free of bacteria.

Acceptable H1 approved lubricant basestocks can be either mineral or synthetic. Mineral oils used are either technical white mineral or USP-type white mineral oils. Synthetic lubricant basestocks are usually polyalphaolefins or polyalkylene glycol. These basestocks are primarily used in lubricants designed for temperature extremes. Dimethylpolysiloxane (silicones) with a viscosity greater than 300 centistokes is also permitted.

Acceptable H1 approved grease thickening agents are aluminum stearate, aluminum complex, organo clay, polyuria, and calcium sulfonate complex.

Whether you are looking for a food grade grease, a food grade oil, or converting your H2 lubricants to NSF H1 lubricants, it pays to contact a reputable food grade lubricants company to take advantage of the extensive product line and technical expertise.