Food Grade Liquid Paraffin
Food Grade Liquid Paraffin is a highly refined, clear, colorless, odorless, and
tasteless oily liquid derived from petroleum. It is composed primarily of
saturated hydrocarbons and is purified to meet food and pharmaceutical
standards. In the food industry, it is used as a lubricant in food processing
machinery, a release agent for baking, and a coating for fruits and
confectionery to provide shine and prevent moisture loss. It is also used in
food-grade packaging and as a base in certain food-grade polishes and
additives. Due to its inertness and stability, it does not react with food
components and passes through the human digestive system without being
absorbed.
Specification for Food Grade Liquid Paraffin
- Description:
Clear, colorless, oily liquid; odorless and tasteless.
- Solubility:
Insoluble in water and alcohol; soluble in ether and chloroform.
- Viscosity:
Matches specified viscosity grade (light or heavy), typically measured at
40°C or 100°C.
- Acidity
or Alkalinity: Neutral; passes pH test.
- Relative
Density: Typically between 0.820 and 0.890 at 25°C (depending on
grade).
- Sulphur
Compounds: Absent or within permissible limits.
- Polycyclic
Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Must comply with food safety limits
(tested and controlled to ensure absence or minimal presence of
carcinogenic compounds).
- Unsulphonated
Residue: Not less than 99.0% (ensures high degree of refinement).
- Flash
Point: Typically above 150°C (depending on viscosity grade).
- Heavy
Metals: Not more than 1 ppm (Lead, Arsenic, etc.).
- Color
(Saybolt): +30 (minimum) — indicates water-clear appearance.
- Odor
on Heating: Should not release any perceptible odor at 100°C.