Food safety and lubrication

WHEN it comes to lubrication, manufacturers and their quality teams often need to know whether or not food grade lubricants have real benefits over traditional solutions and what role they have in food safety. COLLEEN FLANAGAN, category portfolio manager at Petro-Canada Lubricants, explains why food grade lubricants need to get the green light.

What are the basic guidelines in selecting food-grade lubricants? What factors determine which lubricant one really needs over another?

Just like with all lubricant decisions, food manufacturers should carefully do their research to find the right food grade lubricant for their specific applications. They should take into consideration the lubricant's performance features and key advantages, such as fluid life, wear protection, temperature ranges and antimicrobial protection. They must also ensure that the lubricant is NSF registered and is fully approved, by governing bodies, for use in and around food processing areas. Suitability for preparation of food compliant with Halal and Kosher requirements may also be a consideration. And certainly, at a minimum, all areas with any potential for incidental contact between the lubricant and the food manufacturing process must use food grade lubricants. Many modern plants use food grade lubricants throughout their plants to prevent any potential for incidental contact. When assessing a supplier, look for a company that provides a comprehensive portfolio of lubricants designed for specific applications. A partner with a broad base of hands-on experience and product knowledge is another must. At Petro-Canada we pride ourselves in offering a full solution. We carry a complete line of industrial lubricants suitable for incidental contact in the food manufacturing process. Our food grade lubricants deliver the productivity benefits needed throughout food processing plants, to address the range of challenges inherent in the food processing industry. That being said we encourage F&B manufacturers throughout Asia and the Middle East to weigh their options, look at the facts and ask questions to see exactly which food grade lubricants can positively influence their operation. The main reason food processors select a food grad lubricant is product safety. By switching to food grade lubricants, processors can have peace of mind knowing that they've taken steps to minimise the risk of contamination. Petro-Canada's food grade approvals are extensive, including, but not limited to H1 registered by NSF International, certified by Star K for use in the preparation of kosher food, certified Halal by IFANCA. Selected products also fit perfectly in HACCP and GMP plans.

What are some of the demanding environments where food-grade lubricants are essential?

Food grade lubricants are essential in any food manufacturing environment where harsh working conditions and extensive safety protocol demands a lubricant that can stand up to just about anything. Today's food grade lubricants, like our Purity FG line, are specially formulated with selected additives that provide exceptional performance. The Purity FG line not only meets and exceeds the capabilities of many conventional lubricants; it is also formulated to provide extra protection from frequent water and chemical wash-downs and microbial growth in lubricants - both of which are relatively unique to the food industry. For example, Rose Poultry, Denmark's largest chicken manufacturer, needed a lubricant that could withstand their systematic maintenance protocol in harsh operating environments, including water washout and shock loading conditions. Conveyors and trolley systems are systematically and meticulously cleaned to ensure the highest level of food safety. During this process the equipment is high-pressure washed, at 25 bar pressure, with searing hot water. After just onAir Max 95 Flyknit