Why H1?
H1 lubricants
Safety Production
Lubricants used in food-related industries are subject to strict safety requirements. H1 lubricants are oils and greases formulated for applications where incidental, unintentional contact with food does not pose a risk.
Their use is not limited to direct production environments. H1 lubricants are also applied in equipment involved in packaging processes within the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. This ensures that, even in the event of leakage or contamination, product safety is maintained.
Risk control with HACCP
In food processing, risk prevention is a critical requirement throughout the entire production chain. The HACCP concept (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is used to identify and control potential hazards at all stages of production, often supported by methods such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
Within this framework, the use of H1 lubricants is required in defined areas to minimise the risk of contamination.
Safety counts. 48% of consumers surveyed are concerned about harmful additives in their food.
H1 lubricants
What are H1 lubricants?
H1 lubricants are products registered by NSF for use in applications where incidental, unavoidable contact with food, beverages, or pharmaceutical products may occur.
Registration covers formulation, labelling, and instructions for use. Products with confirmed H1 status carry the NSF mark, including the category code (H1) and registration number on the product label.
Further information on the properties and composition of H1 lubricants is available in the interview with Dr. Frank Schulz, Head of Development at Elkalub.
NSF marking and certification
To obtain H1 registration, product formulation, labelling, safety data, and all contained substances must be submitted to an authorised certification body.
The NSF (National Sanitation Foundation, USA) is the most widely recognised organisation for this process, certifying products globally across multiple industries.
Only raw materials listed in the NSF “White Book” or compliant with relevant sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) may be used in H1 lubricant formulations.
Products with confirmed H1 registration are labelled with the NSF mark.
Our answers to frequently asked questions
Then write to us! One of our ELKALUB lubricant experts will be happy to help you.
Are H1 and HACCP the same thing?
H1 and HACCP are not the same. HACCP is a methodology used to identify and control risks in food processing and related industries.
H1-registered lubricants are used within this framework to reduce the risk of contamination in applications where incidental contact with food may occur.
How do H1 lubricants differ from conventional lubricants?
H1 lubricants differ from conventional lubricants in their formulation. They are produced only from raw materials approved by NSF for use in applications with potential incidental food contact. In addition, the allowable concentration of these substances is strictly limited.
Who has to use H1 lubricants?
H1 lubricants are used in applications where incidental contact with food, beverages, or products from the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries may occur. This includes both production equipment and machinery used in the manufacture of packaging.
In practice, equipment is typically specified with H1 lubricants from the outset. Conversion to H1 lubricants is also possible, but requires thorough cleaning. For plain bearings, changeover can usually be carried out relatively quickly, whereas roller bearings often require disassembly.
How can H1 Lubricants be recognised?
H1 lubricants registered by NSF are identified by the NSF logo, along with the H1 category code and registration number on the product label.
Elkalub products may also include an additional H1 marking.
Does a company that does not produce exclusively for the food processing industry have to switch completely to H1 lubricants?
Complete conversion to H1 lubricants is recommended but not always required. Production facilities can be divided into H1 and non-H1 areas.
However, this increases the risk of cross-contamination during maintenance. Any lubrication points that may come into contact with the product must use H1-approved lubricants.
Are non-mineral based lubricants automatically H1 lubricants?
No. The absence of mineral oil does not automatically qualify a lubricant as H1.
H1 lubricants must be formulated using approved base oils and additives that meet NSF requirements.
Are H1 lubricants the higher quality lubricants?
H1 lubricants are not necessarily higher quality, but their formulation is more restricted.
The use of approved base oils and limited additives often requires higher-grade raw materials to meet both performance and compliance requirements.
Can conventional lubricants be replaced by H1 lubricants without hesitation?
Replacement should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Selection of an equivalent H1 lubricant depends on the specific application, and manufacturer guidance is recommended to ensure compatibility and performance.
