As industrial grade mineral oil contains harmful additives, it isn’t suitable for use in industries like pharma and food, both of which make products for human and animal consumption. As a result, food grade oil is designed as a safer alternative for use in environments where incidental or direct contact with consumables is possible.
In this process, mineral oils are purified and refined to eradicate additives like carcinogens to produce food safe lubricants. Here, we review food grade mineral oil in detail.
Defining food grade mineral oil
What makes food grade mineral oil distinct from standard mineral oil is the rigorous refinement and purification process it undergoes to meets safety standards. A petroleum byproduct, it is highly purified, so it is safe to use in contact with food, cooking equipment, pharmaceuticals and machinery, as well as areas where contact with consumables is a risk.
To ensure it is safe, the oil is extensively refined so that all impurities and harmful substances are removed. As a result, its properties also include being colourless, odourless and tasteless.
Food grade mineral oil and safety
Oils must now meet strict safety standards and regulations like those established by the NSF and FDA. Many reputable manufacturers also ensure their lubricants meet standards such as the British Pharmacopeia, which verifies their safety for food and pharma applications.
Common applications for food grade mineral oils
A dependable and flexible product, food grade mineral oil sees active service in a wide range of industries and applications. In cosmetics, the oil is employed in many direct skin contact products including suntan lotion, shampoos, conditioners and moisturisers, while in agriculture, it is utilised to control dust in fields growing grain crops like rice, oats, corn and wheat.
The oil’s excellent oxidation and water repellent properties see it used to coat wood and metal kitchen equipment from stainless steel work tops and carbon steel knives to chopping boards and kitchen islands. It is also directly added to food ingredients like condiments and spices, and to maintain equipment in food and drink processing facilities.
We supply a wide range of food safe lubricants from leading brands. Explore our product range or get in touch for further details.
