Mineral oil transport

USP white mineral oil, food-grade, in bulk.

TRESAL (Transportes Especializados del Altiplano, S. de R. L. de C. V.) transports USP white mineral oil, food-grade, in bulk in stainless steel tank trucks, with nationwide coverage from its bases in Cuautitlán Izcalli —part of the Greater Mexico City area— and San Luis Potosí. Every shipment travels in a dedicated unit under food-hygiene practices.

What is mineral oil and what is it used for?

USP white mineral oil is a highly refined hydrocarbon —through hydrocracking and dewaxing— from which aromatic compounds and impurities are removed to obtain a colorless, odorless liquid. In its food and pharmaceutical grade it meets the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and, as a lubricant, the NSF H1 certification for incidental contact with food. It should not be confused with industrial mineral oils.

Michel Cohen, CEO of TRESAL, inspecting a stainless steel chemical tank truck at the Cuautitlán Izcalli facility

Uses of white mineral oil

Food-grade white mineral oil is a highly versatile processing aid:

  • Food: release agent in bakery and confectionery, coating for fruit and eggshells, antifoam and protectant for wines and vinegars.
  • Dust control in the handling and storage of grain.
  • Pharmaceutical: laxative and excipient.
  • Cosmetics and personal care: baby oil, creams and lotions.
  • Food-grade lubricant (NSF H1) for machinery with incidental food contact.

How is mineral oil safely transported in bulk?

Food-grade white mineral oil is moved in a food-grade stainless steel tank truck, in a dedicated unit, to preserve its purity and prevent cross-contamination. TRESAL delivers door to door with the traceability we give every shipment. See our full guide to food-grade bulk transport, which also covers 304 vs. 316L stainless steel.

Base operativa de TRESAL en San Luis Potosí con flota de autotanques y vista hacia el taller de mantenimiento

Food-safety standards we meet when transporting mineral oil

At TRESAL we align every white mineral oil shipment with the applicable hygiene and purity regulations:

  • NOM-251-SSA1-2009 — Mexico’s hygiene-practices standard for food processing; its transport section requires clean vehicles free from contamination. Enforced by COFEPRIS.
  • USP — food- and pharmaceutical-grade white mineral oil meets the United States Pharmacopeia.
  • FDA 21 CFR 172.878 and 21 CFR 178.3620 — white mineral oil as a direct additive and for food contact.
  • NSF H1 — suitable for lubrication with incidental food contact.

How do we wash tank trucks for food cargo?

Between loads we wash with high-pressure hot water in a single pass, using clean water on each pass to prevent cross-contamination. We document every wash and, for food-grade and Kosher cargo, we apply a final steam step. We operate under ISO 9001:2015 and with criteria equivalent to the international tank-cleaning standard (EFTCO). More detail on our tank truck washing service.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between USP food-grade and industrial mineral oil?

USP white mineral oil is refined until aromatics and impurities are removed and meets the U.S. Pharmacopeia and FDA rules for food contact; industrial mineral oil does not reach that purity or food suitability.

In which food processes is mineral oil used?

As a release agent in bakery and confectionery, coating for fruit and eggs, antifoam and protectant for wines and vinegars, as well as a food-grade NSF H1 lubricant.

References

Learn more: food-grade bulk transport in Mexico · tank truck washing · certifications.

Last updated: July 10, 2026