Based on the possibility of the lubricants will contact with food, how much level of contamination can be occur, the USDA classified food grade lubricants into 3 categories H1, H2, and H3. Depend on the ingredients of lubricant, it will be registered/approved into properly category. A food lubricant is recognized as food grade H1, H2, or H3 when it has been registered and approved by National Sanitation Foundation (NFS).

1. H1 lubricants are food-grade lubricants used where there is the possibility of incidental food contact. H1 lubricants formulations may only be approved certain base stocks, additives, and thickeners as specified by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) CFR Title 21. In any incidental contact with food, it must not exceed 10 parts per million (10 mg/kg of food).

2. H2 lubricants are food-grade lubricants used where there is no possibility of food contact. Due to there is not the risk of food contact, these lubricants do not have a defined list of acceptable ingredients. However, there are some substances it definitely cannot contain such as: carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens, mineral acids or intentionally heavy metals such as antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury or selenium.

3. H3 lubricants also known as soluble oil or edible oil used to clean and prevent rust on components which maybe direct contact with food such as hooks, trolleys and similar equipments. Treated equipment with H3 lubricants should be cleaned by washing or wiping before putting the equipment back into service.

Related articles:

5 Base oil groups: classification and characteristics

HACCP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point?