H1 describes incidental-contact risk, not the whole production process
NSF describes H1 lubricants as designated for “incidental food contact”. Its registration programme is based on regulatory requirements including FDA 21 CFR. Under 21 CFR § 178.3570, such lubricants may be used, among other things, on machine parts in locations where the lubricated part is exposed to food, provided the amount is the minimum required to achieve the technical effect. During registration, NSF reviews the lubricant’s formulation and label. This is not an assessment of the whole machine, the cleaning process or the formulation of the food being produced.
H1, 3H, H2 and ISO 21469 are different designations
Identify the application category first
Besides H1, NSF registers H2 lubricants (described as industrial grade), H3 soluble oils, and HT-1 and HT-2 heat transfer fluids; for HT-2, NSF states explicitly that no food contact is allowed. The White Book also uses the code 3H: on the Compagnia Italiana Lubrificanti listing, some oils carry both H1 and 3H, and one product carries 3H only. What counts is the code assigned to the specific product. Do not transfer a code from one product to another, and do not treat an H2 product as a substitute for H1 just because it is sold to the food industry.
ISO 21469 addresses hygiene requirements
ISO 21469:2006 specifies hygiene requirements for the formulation, manufacture, use and handling of lubricants that may come into incidental contact with products or packaging in the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, tobacco or animal-feed industries. The standard does not apply to substances used as product additives or in direct product contact. NSF runs H1 registration and ISO 21469 certification as separate programmes, and the White Book lets you search for both registered and ISO 21469-certified products. Ask two separate questions: is this variant registered as H1, and is it certified to ISO 21469? Do not add ISO 21469 based only on an H1 listing.
How to verify the registration of a specific grease
Search the White Book for the exact product name and compare it with the label, technical data sheet and supplier offer. Within a product family, check the full designation: a different NLGI consistency grade, viscosity, form (for example a spray) or trade name may have its own listing and registration number. Before ordering, record:
- the full trade name and product variant
- the NSF registration number and category code
- the date and source of the White Book check
- the intended use and limitations stated on the label or technical data sheet
- whether ISO 21469 is also required
- the document on which the plant will base its approval of the product
The words “food grade” in a catalogue or sales message do not replace these checks. A registered product may carry the NSF registration mark, but the NSF listing itself advises confirming a listing’s status directly with NSF. That is why the date of the check belongs in the record.
Match the grease to the machine, not just to the industry
After checking H1, the technical selection remains. Collect continuous and peak temperature, speed, load, type of motion, moisture, cleaning agents, steam exposure, seal materials and relubrication frequency. H1 alone does not describe load-carrying capacity, temperature stability, water resistance or seal compatibility. When changing product, do not mix two greases simply because both have an H1 code.
How to read the TC Kolor range
The greases for the food and pharmaceutical industries category includes FG NEW, FOOD GREASE R and FLUORGREASE FG 2. The catalogue data describe them as a grease for packaging equipment, a PTFE grease for packaging machines intended for manual lubrication, and a grease for bearings in critical conditions and at high temperature.
The documentation for these products shows why the full designation matters. In the Molyguard 2022 catalogue, FG NEW is available in NLGI grades 0 and 2 with separate NSF H1 numbers, 137951 and 130665. The FG NEW page in the TC Kolor range covers the grease cartridge, which the catalogue lists as grade 2 with number 130665. The current NSF listing for the manufacturer, Compagnia Italiana Lubrificanti, shows these variants as MOLYGUARD GRASSO FG NEW 0 and MOLYGUARD GRASSO FG NEW, together with MOLYGUARD FOOD GREASE/R (133239) and MOLYGUARD FLUORGREASE FG2 (149640), all with category code H1. The White Book names differ from the names in the range, so when ordering, compare the name, NLGI grade and number with the label. An H1 listing does not confirm ISO 21469; if your plant requires that certification, ask for a separate document.
How to prepare a product enquiry
Include the machine model, lubrication point, component type, temperature, speed, load, cleaning conditions, current product, application method and audit requirements. State separately whether you need H1, ISO 21469 or both. With these details, compare the variants in the greases for the food and pharmaceutical industries range and ask for the current technical data sheet and registration confirmation for the selected product.
- NSF International, NSF Product and Service Listings — Compagnia Italiana Lubrificanti S.P.A.
- NSF International, Food-Grade Lubricants and ISO 21469 Certification
- ISO, ISO 21469:2006 — Safety of machinery — Lubricants with incidental product contact — Hygiene requirements
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 21 CFR § 178.3570 — Lubricants with incidental food contact
- TC Kolor, Molyguard catalogue 2022
