H1 lubricants are food-grade lubricants specifically approved for use in food and beverage facilities where incidental contact with food may occur. They are formulated to be safe in trace amounts, tasteless, odorless, and compliant with strict Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Science Foundation (NSF) standards.
In contrast, H2 lubricants are designed for use inside food processing facilities but only in areas where there is absolutely no possibility of food contact.
Choosing between lubricants isn’t just a maintenance decision—it’s a food safety, compliance, and audit-readiness decision. The wrong lubricant in the wrong place can introduce contamination risks, trigger audit findings, or even result in product recalls.
NSF H1 lubricants are food-grade lubricants approved for incidental, technically unavoidable contact with food, up to a maximum of 10 parts per million (ppm).
They are registered by NSF International and formulated in compliance with FDA regulations, making them safe for use in food and beverage processing environments.
No—not all H1 lubricants are. However, many high-quality H1 lubricants are also ISO 21469-certified, which goes even further by verifying manufacturing, packaging, traceability, and hygiene control.
NSF H1 lubricants and ISO 21469-certified products provide an added layer of assurance because they are:
H1 lubricants are used anywhere there is a reasonable chance of incidental food contact, including both processing and packaging equipment:
In food and beverage facilities, incidental contact is always a possibility due to leaks, over-lubrication, seal failures, or human error.
Using NSF H1 lubricants in these applications significantly reduces contamination risk while maintaining equipment performance and longevity.
H2 lubricants are non–food-contact lubricants approved for use in food processing facilities only in areas where there is absolutely no possibility of food or beverage contact. They are not safe for incidental food contact and must be strictly limited to isolated, non-process equipment zones.
Common applications include:
Using an H2 lubricant in an application where food contact is possible is a common (and avoidable) audit violation.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which lubricant is best, err on the side of caution by choosing H1 lubricants.
The key difference is simple: H1 lubricants are approved for incidental food contact, while H2 lubricants are not.
|
Category |
H1 Lubricants |
H2 Lubricants |
|
Food Contact |
Incidental contact permitted (up to 10 ppm) |
No food contact allowed |
|
Typical Applications |
Processing equipment, packaging lines |
Forklifts, maintenance areas, non-process equipment |
|
Ingredient Restrictions |
Strict FDA-approved ingredients only |
Fewer restrictions, but toxic substances prohibited |
|
Audit & Inspection Risk |
Low when properly applied |
High if used near food zones |
|
The Bottom Line |
Commonly considered true food-grade |
Facility-grade, |
NSF classifications exist to protect public health by clearly defining where and how non-food compounds like lubricants may be used.
During inspections and audits, NSF registration is one of the first things auditors look for when evaluating lubricant compliance.
These classifications aren’t just labels—they’re proof of due diligence and compliance.
Inspectors and auditors commonly check:
Using the wrong lubricant can quickly create food safety and compliance issues.
The most common risks include:
The best H1 lubricants deliver both food safety compliance and high-performance equipment protection. That’s why Keller-Heartt recommends Cassida H1 lubricants and greases, trusted globally in food and beverage manufacturing.
Cassida products are:
Cassida Gear Fluid GL 150—along with GL 220, 320, 460, and 680—are high-performance, anti-wear gear oils developed for enclosed gears in food and beverage processing equipment.
Key Benefits:
Ideal Application: Gearboxes where food safety and reliability must coexist.
Cassida Grease EPS 2 is a high-performance extreme pressure grease designed for food and beverage processing and packaging machinery.
Key Benefits:
Ideal Application: Dependable lubrication in demanding washdown and high-load environments.
Cassida Fluid HF 100—plus HF 15, 32, 46, and 68—are multipurpose hydraulic oils engineered for food and beverage processing equipment.
Key Benefits:
Ideal Application: Hydraulic systems where leaks could result in incidental food contact.
View the Food-Grade Products List Now →
Choosing the right H1 lubricants is one of the simplest ways to strengthen your facility’s food safety program and audit readiness. To help you reduce risk, Keller-Heartt offers a full range of high-quality H1 lubricants from trusted brands.
Why work with Keller-Heartt?
Whether you need help selecting the right H1 lubricants, want to standardize products across your facility, or are preparing for an upcoming audit, Keller-Heartt experts are here to support you. Reach out or place your order online today.