MPI Ratings vs Food Grade: What It Really Means for Your Workshop

‘Food grade’ and ‘MPI approved’ are they the same thing? Not quite.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but knowing the difference is key if your site fabricates, maintains, or supplies equipment for food production. Let”s break down what each label really means, when they apply, and how to make sure your spray use is safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.

‘Food grade’ usually indicates that a product:

• Is safe for accidental (incidental) food contact

• Uses approved ingredients (often NSF H1 certified)

• Is suitable for use around food processing equipment

It”s commonly used as a clear and simple way to show a product is food safe but this doesn”t automatically mean it”s MPI approved.

MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) approval confirms a product”s safe use in specific areas within food production environments. These approvals are especially important in New Zealand”s regulated food and beverage sectors.

MPI assigns a code to each product based on where it can be safely used:

Products must be reviewed and approved by MPI to display these codes. At Euromarc, we clearly show MPI codes on our website to make selection easier. See the full MPI approved list here: Register of approved non-dairy maintenance compounds | NZ Government

MPI ratings are not just recommendations, they are often a legal compliance requirement. If your site is audited under a Risk Management Programme (RMP) or other food safety standard, you may be required to provide documentation that MPI approved products were used in specific zones. Using sprays without an appropriate MPI rating, even if they are high performing, could result in non compliance during an audit or trigger corrective actions.

Even with the same MPI rating, two sprays might be positioned differently. Here”s why:

• Intended use: One may be intended for general maintenance, while another is designed for use closer to food production zones.

• Certifications and formulation: The food grade version may also carry NSF H1 certification, be allergen free, or produced under stricter controls.

• Clarity for users: Labelling only one as food grade helps customers avoid confusion around where and how to use each product.

• Cost and application: Some applications don”t require food grade. Labelling everything that way could lead to overuse or higher costs.

• Brand strategy: Manufacturers may group food grade products into a dedicated range to make them easier to identify.

For example, two Chemz sprays might both have an MPI C15 rating, but only one is part of the food grade range.

MPI ratings are required when there is any risk of affecting food safety, including:

• Working on or around food and beverage machinery

• Maintaining surfaces that may later contact food

• Supplying components to food processors

• Operating in regulated environments where audits apply

If you are unsure, choose an MPI rated spray that matches the final use environment.

• Ask: Could this spray come into contact with food, directly or indirectly?

• Use food grade when any risk of food contact exists

• Use MPI rated products where compliance is needed

• Keep MPI codes on record for audits and reporting

• Document spray use in your maintenance schedule

Making the Right Choice for Your Workplace

Choosing the right spray or lubricant helps protect your team, your product, and your reputation.

At Euromarc, we make it easy with clear MPI labelling, expert advice, and a full range of both food grade and MPI rated products, including:

• Chemz Food Grade Range

• PURITY FG Lubricants by Petro Canada

• NSF and MPI approved maintenance sprays