2 replies to this topic

[mm.stf]

Hi guys,

 

I was recently reviewing our SDSs and found out that the lubricant oil used in the motors of our equipment is not food grade.

 

This oil does not come in contact with food products at any time, it only lubricates the motors that go outside our machinery.

 

I tried to find information about it, but didn't find anything specific on FSANZ. Should I have a food grade lubricant or because it does not come in contact with the product is fine to have it non-food grade?

 

I'm in Australia and we don't hold any GFSI certifications (we are only HACCP accredited).

 

Thank you

[Tony-C]

Hi mm.stf,

 

 

Welcome to the IFSQN forums

 

Best practice is normally to use food grade oil in equipment in open product areas where there is potential to contaminate the product.

 

Australian standards stipulate that ‘equipment should be located so that there is no likelihood that the lubricant will be in contact with the food’ - see below.

 

SAFE FOOD AUSTRALIA A Guide to the Food Safety Standards - Standard 3.2.3 – Food Premises and Equipment

 

12(2) Fixtures and fittings must be designed, constructed, located and installed, and equipment must be designed, constructed, located and, if necessary, installed, so that:

 

The following requirements are intended to prevent food contamination resulting from fixtures, fittings and equipment that are poorly designed, constructed, located or installed. The phrase ‘if necessary, installed’ recognises that some equipment used on the premises is moveable and not actually installed.

 

(a) there is no likelihood that they will cause food contamination;

Fixtures, fittings and equipment could potentially contaminate food from dripping/ spraying liquids, falling components, failure to cover food or transfer of built-up dirt or pathogens. The business must ensure all sources of likely contamination have been controlled. Some general examples are provided below.

• Equipment containing bearings and gears should be designed so that bearings cannot fall out and lubricant does not drip from the equipment. If some dripping is inevitable and could contaminate food, the equipment should be located so that there is no likelihood that the lubricant will be in contact with the food. Similarly, oils, solvents, release sprays (used to free equipment or stop squeaking) and other materials used in equipment or for maintenance should not leak from the equipment.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

[GMO]

Any site I've ever been in has a few non food grade lubricants.  If it's well away from or well below product contact areas then I'm fine with it as long as it's controlled.  Some lubricants for some uses don't have an effective food grade option.  

 

I'd risk assess, ensure there is separate storage and really good training and include as part of audits.  If you can source food grade you should of course and I'd task the engineers to look for an alternative at the same time.