NSF H1 · NSF 537 · PFAS-free

Food grade lubricants: ensuring safety in the food and beverage industry

Interflon supplies NSF H1-registered food-grade lubricants for food and beverage production, including PFAS-free products independently certified under NSF 537. They combine reliable lubrication performance with documented food-safety compliance for applications where incidental food contact may occur.

With Interflon, you can also prove your compliance: NSF listings and certificates are available to show your auditor.

Our NSF H1 and A1 products also hold The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark, which means they contain no animal-derived ingredients and are not tested on animals. They are also Kosher and Halal certified.

All food-grade greases, All food-grade oils, Interflon Food Lube 3H, Interflon Food Grease 3H

What are food-grade lubricants?

Food-grade lubricants are specially formulated for safe use in the food and beverage industry. They reduce friction and protect production equipment from corrosion, moisture, and contaminants.

While their manufacturing process is similar to that of conventional lubricants, food-grade variants use carefully selected raw materials and are registered for use in food production, for example under NSF H1 for applications where incidental food contact may occur.

Interflon’s food-grade lubricants and cleaners are developed for the demanding conditions of food processing plants and beverage factories, where equipment is cleaned daily.

Interflon's NSF 537-certified PFAS-free food-grade portfolio covers the main lubrication applications in food and beverage production: oils, greases, chain and conveyor lubricants, and release agents for direct food contact (NSF 3H). Food and beverage manufacturers can switch their lubrication programme to independently verified PFAS-free products from a single supplier. The certification status of each product is publicly listed by NSF.

Results from customers

Food and beverage producers worldwide rely on Interflon. Our NSF-registered and PFAS-free products support safe operations and help minimise downtime while improving the reliability of your machines.

What that looks like in practice:

A Bolognese sauce manufacturer eliminated oil leaks and product contamination by switching to Interflon.
A customer saved 4,000 litres of water per month and eliminated contamination risks by using a food-grade dry lubricant on their conveyor belts.
An apple processing plant extended the service life of bearings and chains to 2 to 3 seasons,
A global beer brewery saved €500 per month after switching to Interflon Food Grease 1 in their bottle washing system.
A fryer producer achieved annual savings exceeding €60,000 through optimised bearing lubrication.

View all case studies and customer stories

Which industries use food-grade lubricants?

Food-grade lubricants are essential in any environment where lubricated equipment operates near food or beverage products. Interflon supplies NSF H1-registered lubricants and NSF-registered cleaners to manufacturers across the full food and beverage supply chain. Explore the specific lubrication challenges and solutions for your industry:

Beverage industry, filling machines, blow moulders, labellers, conveyor belts
Poultry processing, transport chains, stunning conveyors, washdown-resistant bearing grease
Bakeries, chains in kneading and proofer areas, spiral freezers, packaging lines
Agriculture, PTO cardan shafts, harvester chains, heavily contaminated environments
Fruit processing, calibrator chains, air rail systems, high-water environments

Applications include conveyor chains, bearings, gearboxes, hydraulic systems and other lubrication points exposed to demanding conditions such as washdown, moisture, temperature extremes or contamination.

How do I choose the right food-grade lubricant?

Start by determining whether incidental food contact is possible and which NSF classification is required. Then assess the operating conditions of the lubrication point, including component type, load, speed, temperature, water exposure, contamination and relubrication interval.

For example, chains often require good penetration and resistance to washout, while bearing greases must be selected according to load, speed, temperature and water exposure. See chain lubrication cases.

A food-grade registration therefore tells you where a lubricant may be used; technical suitability still depends on the application.

Looking for the right food-grade lubricant for your application?

Ask an Interflon Technical Advisor.

Certifications for peace of mind

Our food-grade lubricants are NSF registered and support your compliance with HACCP, BRCGS and IFS food-safety requirements. Vegan, Kosher and Halal certificates are available for download. All relevant documents and certificates are readily available for you to view online, so you are always up to date. Find out exactly what auditors check and what to have ready on our audit documentation page.

Preparing for a food safety audit?

Discuss a lubrication audit, free of charge and without obligation.

Commitment to quality

Interflon holds ISO 9001 certification, and selected food-grade lubricants are certified to ISO 21469. ISO 21469 is the international hygiene standard specifically for the manufacture of food-grade lubricants, it certifies not just the product, but the entire production process. We follow strict hygiene protocols to prevent contamination.

Reasons to choose Interflon:

PFAS-free food-grade portfolio, certified under NSF 537 and publicly listed by NSF.
Selected products certified under NSF 538 (MOAH-free)
Proven savings: for example more than €60,000 per year at a single fryer producer
NSF H1-registered food-grade range, with selected products certified to ISO 21469
Developed for use in food processing environments
Minimise machine downtime
Reduce maintenance costs
Ensure safer business operations
Can help lower energy consumption and CO₂ emissions
Kosher and halal certifications for broader suitability
Free from animal-derived ingredients and animal testing
MicPol® technology for lower friction and longer relubrication intervals

Frequently Asked Questions about food-grade lubricants

What is NSF 537 PFAS-free certification for food-grade lubricants?

NSF 537 matters because it is NSF International’s PFAS-free certification standard for lubricants, introduced in 2025. It independently verifies that a lubricant contains no intentionally added PFAS substances. Unlike a supplier’s own PFAS-free claim, NSF 537 certification is publicly verifiable via NSF’s online listings and provides documentation that supports supplier approval processes, HACCP audits, and GFSI-aligned quality systems.

Interflon's food-grade portfolio for applications in food and beverage production is certified under NSF 537, and the status of each product can be checked in the NSF listings.

What is the difference between NSF H1, H2 and 3H?

The different NSF classifications for lubricants define where each product may be used within a food processing environment, based on the risk of contact with food at that lubrication point.

NSF H1 covers lubricants for incidental food contact. These are used in production areas where contact between the lubricant and food may occur. The permitted trace level in the final product may not exceed 10 ppm. NSF H1 is the most common classification for active production zones.
NSF H2 covers lubricants with no food contact. These are permitted in food processing facilities, but only in areas where contact with food is completely impossible, such as enclosed systems outside the production zone.
NSF 3H covers release agents used on food-contact surfaces to prevent food from adhering during processing. Typical applications include grills, ovens, baking pans, chopping boards and other hard surfaces that come into direct contact with food. Interflon Food Lube 3H is registered for this use.

Read our full guide to NSF certification for lubricants for a detailed breakdown of H1, H2, 3H and NSF 537.

Can NSF H2 lubricants be used in food processing?

An H2 lubricant can be used in a food preparation environment only where food contact is completely ruled out at that lubrication point. H2 lubricants are permitted in food processing facilities, but only in areas with no possibility of contact with food. Where any risk of contact exists, however small, an NSF H1 lubricant is required. Manufacturers who use H2 lubricants in borderline areas must document that adequate measures are in place to prevent contamination. When in doubt, choose an H1-registered lubricant.

What is the difference between a food-grade lubricant and a food-safe lubricant?

The difference between "food grade" and "food safe" is one of scope.

"Food grade" is a defined regulatory term that refers to materials approved for contact with food under specific standards, such as FDA 21 CFR 178.3570 for lubricants. Examples of food-grade materials include stainless steel, glass, certain plastics and NSF H1 registered lubricants.
"Food safe" is a broader, less regulated term that refers to anything that presents no harmful effects when used in connection with food. It can apply to materials, equipment, processes or storage conditions. A product can be described as food safe without carrying any formal certification, which is why "food grade" with a specific NSF classification is the more meaningful and auditable standard in a food manufacturing context.

What food-grade lubricant should I use for conveyor chains?

A food-grade lubricant for conveyor chains should be selected according to the chain load, speed, temperature, water or washdown exposure, contamination and relubrication interval. Where incidental food contact may occur, an NSF H1-registered chain lubricant is required. Interflon food-grade chain lubricants are used in applications including bakeries, poultry processing and fruit processing, where chains are exposed to frequent cleaning and demanding operating conditions.

See how a Belgian pork processing plant manages food-grade chain lubrication across 45 conveyors, from cooling areas at 0 °C to scalding water and steam.

What NSF H1 food-grade grease should I use for bearings?

The right NSF H1 food-grade grease for bearings depends on the bearing load, speed, operating temperature, water or washdown exposure, contamination and relubrication interval. In food-processing areas where incidental food contact may occur, select an NSF H1-registered grease that also matches these operating conditions. Interflon offers food-grade bearing greases for applications ranging from frequent washdown to high and low temperatures.

When should I use a food-grade grease instead of a food-grade oil?

A food-grade grease suits lubrication points where the lubricant has to stay in place, while a food-grade oil suits points where it has to flow. Oils are liquids that flow freely, which makes them the usual choice for circulating systems, hydraulics and gearboxes where heat dissipation and continuous flow matter. Greases are semi-solid and stay put, which makes them the usual choice for bearings, open gears and components exposed to contamination, shock loads or infrequent maintenance. A grease can also act as a seal against contaminants. Interflon offers food-grade greases and food-grade oils for both situations.

Do you need help bij choosing the right lubricant?

Do you have any questions about our food-grade lubricants? Do not hesitate to contact us!