Written by Chain Guard Staff
Original Date: 2021/03/31
Revision Date: 2025/04/30
The world of industrial lubricants can be a complex one. With so many types of lubricants, all with different functions, it can be hard to determine which ones to use. We have created this blog to help you choose which lubricant will work best for your food processing facility. Below are our answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about food grade lubricants.
If after reading, you have additional questions, please give us a call at 1-905-752-LUBE (5823). We are happy to help.
Food-grade lubricant is a non-hazardous industrial product that must be used in food processing facilities to ensure operators and consumers remain safe in the event of an accidental lubricant contamination. These lubricants are non-toxic, so if there is an accidental contamination under specified thresholds, such as in a bread production line, any lubricants that may come in contact with food products may not harm end users.
In the case of a lubricant contamination where a food processing facility chose not to use food-grade lubricant, the producer will have to recall the product, as risks of contamination can adversely affect consumers' health. These recalls are expensive, time-consuming and can easily damage a brand’s reputation. Imagine the hassle and critiques your company would have to go through if there were a hazardous non-food grade lubricant contamination? This would be extremely expensive for the business, and the cost could of been completely avoided if the company had just used food-grade lubricant! Corporate management does not want to see their company on the news for causing harm to their consumers.
This is why food grade lubricant is the best choice of lubricant to use. By using food grade lubricant, companies can ensure that they take control to avoid potential incidents, while making the ethical decision to choose the lubricant they know is safer.
If you manufacture any products in the categories below, the answer is 100% YES! The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) states that food-grade lubricant should be used in the production of medicines and all food and beverage products, including pet food and animal feed. Food-grade lubricant should be used when producing cosmetics, as there is a chance that they might be consumed as they are applied directly to the face and mouth region. To read more information about NSF standards or to find out if the lubricant you're using is food grade, click here.
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At Chain Guard, we strongly encourage the use of H1. We are motivated to provide only H1 Food Grade lubricating products as they are the safest for consumers. However, if you are unsure what the differences are between these types of lubricant, grease or oils or need more information to be convinced that using an H1 is the right choice for you, keep reading.
Click here to read more about our vision and why we hope you'll care about using H1 lubricants too.
Although H1, H2 and H3 lubricants are all food grade, they are NOT all created for the same purpose. It can be hard to choose which type of food-grade lubricant you need. At Chain Guard, we believe picking H1 food-grade lubricant is always the best and an easy choice.
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H3 lubricants can be thought of as edible oils, like sunflower oil for example. They are most often applied on trolleys, hooks or other facility equipment. The main purpose of H3 lubricants is to prevent rust from developing on equipment. Although H3 lubricants can be consumed in the case of an actual lubricant contamination, if you are looking for a lubricant to help improve machine function or keep your oven chains moving, H3 lubricants are not overly reliable. In the event of contamination below allowable thresholds using an H3 product, the food product may be considered safe for the end user, but the taste, color or smell of the product might be affected. |
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An H2 lubricant is free from harmful elements like mutagens, teratogens, carcinogens, and mineral acids. It also does not contain heavy metals, such as mercury or selenium. H2 lubricants must adhere to strict toxicology regulations, which focus on the nature, effects, and detection of poisons. These lubricants are considered food-grade because they don't include harmful substances that could cause illness if accidentally consumed. While they are free of toxic ingredients, H2 products can still pose a risk if they contaminate food, beverages, or cosmetic products. For this reason, H2 lubricants are only used on equipment in food processing facilities that do not come into contact with food, such as trolleys, forklifts, and hooks. |
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An NSF-certified H1 lubricant is considered the safest of all lubricating products offered on the market, and is used on equipment where accidental lubricant contamination may occur. H1 lubricants are odorless, tasteless and are acceptable for accidental contamination with a food product of up to 10 parts per million. H1 lubricants are considered to be the only lubricants that can keep consumers truly safe in the event of contamination within allowable thresholds. They are applied to oven chains, conveyor belt systems, pumps, mixers, gears, hydraulics, and much more. H1 food grade lubricant can work just as effectively as other lubricant types, but ensure the safety of consumers. H1 lubricants protect the health of consumers AND protect the companies who use them. Click here to see the types of H1 food-grade lubricants we offer. |
Choosing an H1 food-grade lubricant is more than a safety measure. It is a smart business decision that helps protect your operations, your customers, and your brand. In the event that a small amount of lubricant comes into contact with food, beverage, or cosmetic products, an H1 lubricant provides a critical safeguard. If the amount is less than 10 parts per million, the product does not need to be recalled. This allows your batch to remain on the market and helps you avoid costly disruptions.
A product recall can create serious challenges. It can require extensive time, legal support, and customer service resources. Beyond the immediate cost, recalls can damage public perception and long-term customer trust. In many product categories, such as baked goods, consumers tend to choose the same brand repeatedly. If your product is removed from store shelves, buyers may try a different brand and never return.
Using H1 lubricants helps reduce the risk of contamination and protects your brand reputation. It shows your commitment to safety and quality while also helping to maintain consistency for your customers. Making this responsible choice today can help you avoid problems tomorrow.
It is easy to read about the risks of lubricant contamination and assume it will never happen in your own facility. Many food processors fall into the mindset of "it will not happen to us"—until it does. Contamination events are often unexpected, and by the time they are discovered, the damage is already done.
Do not wait for a contamination to make the switch to food-grade lubricants. Be proactive. Prevent the risk before it becomes a costly and harmful reality. In food processing environments, especially in oven chambers where air is constantly circulated, small particles of lubricant can travel and make contact with food. In some cases, companies may not even realize that their product has been contaminated until it is too late.
There have been many documented recalls due to lubricant contamination. These events cost businesses valuable time, resources, and consumer trust. Most of the companies involved made the switch to H1 food-grade lubricants only after experiencing the consequences firsthand.
Here are some real-world examples of expensive and time-consuming recalls that resulted from contamination. We have omitted company names to respect confidentiality, but the impact of these incidents is real and avoidable.
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