The Importance of Proper Food-grade Lubricants

Optimal lubrication is acritical consideration in any production process. In food and beverage production specifically, a balance must be struck; machinery lubricat ion and food safety are both important.

While machines need to be lubricated for smooth operations, care must be taken to avoid chemical contamination. Using food-grade lubricants — and using them in a correct manner — is one way to mitigate food contamination resulting from chemical contact. Food-grade lubricants are made with base stocks and additives that are safe for use around food processing a rea s. The National Sanitation Foundation ( NSF) International registers a wide range of chemical compounds used in products, including lubricants, that comply with key regional and global food safety guidelines as well as industry regulations.

NSF's registration marks are often one of the few that are accepted by food and beverage companies globally. NSF registration demonstrates that a lubricant is aligned with food safety practices adopted by global regulatory agencies.

So, what are NSF's compliance programs for food-grade lubricants and why are they important?

Registrations and Certifications

Quality and purity are of utmost importance in a food and beverage production line, and the NSF has various registrations which are based on the USDA White Book. These registrations address the level of contact a lubricant can have with food and the level of risk associated with each. They include 3H, H1, H2 and H3 lubricants.