Food processing and packaging equipment needs to be kept lubricated just like other types of equipment. Because the equipment comes in contact with products that are meant to be consumed, however, it is extremely important to use lubricants that are safe for human consumption. You also need a product that does not have an odor, a flavor, or a color that will change the taste, appearance, or flavor of your food.
That’s where food grade silicone spray comes in. This spray is non-toxic and safe to use around food, making it a must-have for keeping food processing and packaging equipment lubricated and to prevent rust and corrosion. It can also make the cleanup process easier by preventing food from sticking to equipment. What exactly is food grade silicone spray, though, and what else can it be used for? Keep reading to find out.
What Is Food Grade Silicone Spray?
Food grade silicone spray is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless spray-on lubricant that has been certified safe for consumption. The spray has multiple uses, but it is most commonly used in food processing to lubricate metal-to-non-metal surfaces. It can also be used during storage of equipment to prevent corrosion. Food grade silicone spray also prevents food from sticking and gumming up processing machines such as grinders and saws.
The dry spray evaporates quickly, leaving behind a dry film that protects equipment. Wet spray products leave a grease-like coating. Both types work well to reduce friction and prevent food from sticking to surfaces. Food grade silicone spray can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, including metal, plastic, rubber, and O-rings.
Uses of Food Grade Silicone Spray
As previously mentioned, this type of spray is most often used to lubricate the parts of machines that are used to process and package goods. Butchers and hunters commonly use this product to keep their cutting machines and meat grinders from rusting because, unlike other lubricants, it is safe for human consumption.
Food grade silicone spray is also sometimes used as a lubricant for food packaging and to protect food from being exposed to unclean or toxic conditions. It can be used as a release agent in the mold-making and molding industries. It can be used as a release agent on seals and gaskets for tank closures. It also waterproofs surfaces, stops squeaks, and prolongs the life of rubber materials in food processing and packaging equipment.
Benefits
There are two different types of food grade silicone spray. There is a wet version that leaves a grease-like coating, as well as a dry version that creates a dry film. The dry version does not attract dust or product debris, which works well for packaging applications. Both types stay in place well and work for vertical and overhead applications. Food grade silicone spray offers exceptional versatility and can be used on a wide range of surfaces. It also resists moisture, so it stays in place even in damp environments. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, so it will not alter the flavor, aroma, or appearance of any food product. Since it is completely non-toxic, it is safe for use on surfaces and equipment that come in direct contact with food. It is effective in temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Celsius to +200 degrees Celsius.
Precautions
Food grade silicone spray is typically packaged in an aerosol container. In this form, it is extremely flammable when exposed to direct flame. You must give the product time to dry before allowing it to come in contact with food. If you are using food grade silicone spray, it is always advisable to carefully read the instructions prior to using the product.
In Conclusion
If you need a lubricant that is safe to use around food, food grade silicone spray is an excellent choice. This non-toxic product is colorless, flavorless, and odorless, and it is versatile enough to use for a wide variety of applications. Whether you are a hunter looking for a way to protect your meat grinder from corrosion in between hunting seasons, a butcher needing to lubricate your cutter, or even someone who uses things like popcorn machines and cotton candy makers and wants to make cleanup a bit easier, you cannot go wrong with food grade silicone spray.