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. Interflon has now become the first lubricant manufacturer worldwide to achieve NSF 538 MOAH-free certification for its food-grade lubricants.
The certification covers a complete range of food lubricants. This provides food and beverage manufacturers with independent, publicly traceable verification to support food-safety, supplier approval, compliance and audit requirements.
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.
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.
Independent verification of a long-standing food-safe philosophy
Keeping MOAH out of food-grade lubricants has long been part of Interflon's formulation philosophy. Our complete NSF H1 and 3H lubricant portfolio was already formulated without MOAH, so achieving NSF 538 did not require a change in formulation, but independently verifies an approach already embedded in our product development standards.
Together with the NSF 537 PFAS-free certification achieved In January 2026, and 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.
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.
Source: 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.
