Frequently Asked Questions about Food Grade Oil

March 17, 2020

What is food grade oil?

Sectors that use compressed air for the production of goods, such as food or medicine, which are not allowed to come into contact with lubricants, such as the pharmaceutical, medical and food industries will need a Food Grade lubricant. Food grade lubricants perform the same functions as other lubricants.

What are the requirements for food grade oil?

Food Grade lubricants, like other lubricants, have a technical function and must meet many requirements;

Provide protection against wear, friction, corrosion and oxidation;
Sufficient cooling to prevent overheating and failure of your machine;
Have an excellent seal for optimum energy efficiency;
and are compatible with rubbers and seals so that they do not affect them.

In addition, Food Grade lubricants must have additional properties;

They must meet nutrition, health and safety requirements;
Physiologically inert;
Taste and odorless;
Internationally approved

When is food grade oil used?

Food grade oil prevents contamination

It is never desirable for a lubricant to contain raw material or a product. However, sectors such as the pharmaceutical, medical and food industries have a 0% tolerance for pollution. The lubricants used in these industries must meet additional requirements. Food grade lubricants are permissible lubricants in applications used in the pharmaceutical, medical and food industries.

Classes of food grade oil

Food grade lubricants are classified into three classes:

H3 lubricants are so-called soluble or edible lubricants, which are used for cleaning and preventing rust on hooks, trolleys and similar tools.

H2 lubricants are lubricants used in machinery and tools in locations where there is no chance that the lubricant will come into contact with food or surfaces where food is processed. They must not contain any heavy metals and have additional requirements for ingredients.

H1 lubricants are food grade lubricants that are used in food processing environments where there is a possibility of incidental contact with food. If an incident occurs in which the compressed air (containing oil vapors) comes into contact with the end product, your end product is safe from contamination. Rotair Food Grade oil is NSF H1 certified, halal and kosher.