Petroleum-based food grade lubricants are typically made from highly refined, colorless, tasteless, odorless, non-staining mineral oils. They are generally produced from white mineral oils. They are also called technical white mineral oils or USP type white mineral oils. Food-grade synthetic lubricants are made from either polyalphaolefins (PAO), which have higher oxidation stability and a wider operating temperature range, or polyalkylene glycols (PAG), which are often used in high-temperature environments. Silicones are sometimes used to make H1 lubricants, but they must have a viscosity of 200 cSt (centistoke, the measurement used to measure viscosity) or greater. H1 lubricants made from silicone have the highest thermal and oxidation stability. H1 lubricants must not contain heavy metals (such as arsenic, lead and mercury), carcinogens, mutagens or teratogens.

Food grade lubricants are developed specifically to protect a machine against corrosion, friction, oxidation and wear. They also work to dissipate heat, transfer power, and resist distortion. They must also perform consistently when in contact with water, process chemicals and food products. However, oil leakage is almost completely inevitable, so the food-grade lubricants must be non-toxic. These features make it safe if it comes into contact with food. Food-grade lubricants comply with NSF, CFIA, USDA, and FDA guidelines to ensure they do not cause harm when incidentally coming into contact with food or factory workers. The most commonly used food grade lubricants are in the H1 category. These lubricants are safe for use in areas where they may come into contact with food. H2 lubricants are used in places where machines will not come into contact with food. There are also H3 lubricants, which are cooking oils; Think of them as the hard coating on your favorite chocolate candies and jelly beans. They add shine and prevent stickiness.

Any packaged food you consume must come from an environment that meets high food safety standards set by the food service industry. These standards are set to take as many precautions as possible to reduce the likelihood of a consumer becoming ill because of eating their food.

Cleanliness and hygiene standards are as important on the workshop floor as they are in hospital operating rooms. But when it comes to manufacturing equipment, lubrication keeps the job of feeding and healing the nation on track.