Independent, publicly traceable verification that Interflon food-grade lubricants are MOAH-free.
Interflon becomes first lubricant manufacturer worldwide to achieve NSF 538 MOAH-free certification
NSF introduced Certification Guideline 538 for MOAH-free certification in July 2025, creating a framework for independent verification of MOAH-free claims. On 23 September 2026, NSF announced that Interflon is the first lubricant manufacturer worldwide to achieve NSF 538 MOAH-free certification, covering more than 30 of its food-grade lubricants. Read the NSF announcement.
This provides food and beverage manufacturers with independent, publicly traceable verification to support food-safety, supplier approval, compliance and audit requirements. All certified products are publicly listed in the NSF White Book.
Food manufacturers are increasingly expected to substantiate the composition and safety of products used throughout their production processes. NSF 538 helps address this need by providing independent verification that can be used to support supplier approval procedures and food-safety audits. NSF 538 certifies the lubricant, not the finished food: it helps you document that one potential MOAH source in your process is under control.
Why the focus on MOAH?
MOAH stands for Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons. Scientific and regulatory attention is focused specifically on this aromatic fraction of mineral oil, particularly certain structures associated with genotoxic and carcinogenic risk. This distinction is important. The concern is not mineral oil hydrocarbons as a whole, but specifically the MOAH fraction. From 1 January 2027, the European Union is introducing legally binding maximum levels for MOAH in a range of foods, which is why food manufacturers are now mapping every potential MOAH source, including lubricants.
Independent verification of a long-standing food-safe philosophy
Reducing the risk of MOAH in food-grade lubrication has long been part of Interflon's formulation philosophy. The products covered by NSF 538 already met the requirements of the certification guideline, so achieving certification did not require a change in formulation. NSF 538 now provides independent verification of an approach already embedded in our product development standards.
Many of the NSF 538-certified products also carry the NSF 537 PFAS-free certification achieved in January 2026. Together with our existing NSF H1 registrations and ISO 21469 certification, NSF 538 further strengthens Interflon's long-standing commitment to safe, reliable and independently verified lubrication solutions for the food and beverage industry.
The Interflon MOAH- and PFAS-free lubricants featuring MicPol® technology combine this focus on food safety with high-performance lubrication. By reducing friction, MicPol® technology helps lower energy consumption and maintenance effort, while supporting more sustainable operations and a safer working environment.
Explore Interflon's full food-grade lubricant portfolio here, or view all certifications and compliance documentation on the certifications and sustainability page. The certification status of each product is shown on its product page.
International media coverage
Interflon's NSF 538 MOAH-free certification has also attracted attention from international industry publications, highlighting the significance of this milestone for the food processing and lubrication industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
NSF 538 is NSF Certification Guideline 538, "MOAH-Free Products for Nonfood Compounds and Food Equipment Materials". NSF introduced it in July 2025. It independently verifies MOAH-free claims for products used in food production, such as food-grade lubricants, release agents and O-rings.
Bron: NSF
The difference between MOSH and MOAH lies in their chemical structure and health risk. Mineral oil is made up of two main types of hydrocarbons: saturated ones (MOSH) and aromatic ones (MOAH). EFSA links MOAH with three or more aromatic rings to DNA damage and a possible cancer risk. For MOSH, EFSA does not see a health concern at current exposure levels.
Products can apply for NSF 538 if they are used in food production and already hold an NSF approval. For lubricants and release agents, that means an NSF registration or ISO 21469 certification. For equipment parts such as O-rings, NSF/ANSI 51 certification is required first. Interflon's food-grade lubricants already had both NSF H1 registrations and ISO 21469 certification.
NSF 538 certified products are retested annually. Each year the manufacturer also signs an attestation that the formulation has not changed.
No, Interflon did not have to change its formulations to achieve NSF 538. Our NSF H1 and 3H lubricants were already made without MOAH, because keeping it out has always been part of how we develop food-grade products. NSF 538 now confirms this independently.
