What Is Food Grade Mineral Oil?

Food Grade Mineral Oil, often abbreviated as FGMO, is a highly refined, odorless, and tasteless mineral oil derived from petroleum. It undergoes an extensive purification process to meet or exceed the stringent standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making it safe for direct and indirect contact with food, food packaging, and kitchen surfaces.

Common Uses of FGMO

FGMO is widely valued for its purity and versatility across a variety of industries, including food processing, agriculture, woodworking, and healthcare. Some of its most popular uses include:

Wood Care & Preservation

• Seals and protects wood surfaces like cutting boards, butcher blocks, and salad bowls
• Prevents drying, cracking, and bacterial growth
• Maintains a clean, stain-resistant surface for kitchen tools and appliances

Food Preparation & Processing

• Used as a coating for food prep surfaces to reduce food odors and staining
• Helps with easier cleaning of prep equipment and surfaces
• Acts as a non-toxic release agent in food packaging or processing
• May serve as a fat substitute or lubricant in specialized food production applications

Biomedicine & Cell Culture

• Applied in laboratory and pharmaceutical settings as a protective, non-reactive barrier
• Supports safe and sterile environments in research and biotech

FGMO for Beekeeping: A Natural Alternative to Mite Treatment

One of the most innovative and environmentally friendly applications of FGMO is in honeybee colony health management. Parasitic mites, especially Varroa mites, are among the biggest threats to honeybee populations—leading to colony collapse, lower honey production, and increased labor and treatment costs for beekeepers.

Why FGMO Works:

• Acts as a physical barrier that smothers mites without harming bees
• Safe for use within hives and on honeycombs
• Unlike synthetic chemicals, mites have shown no resistance to mineral oil
• Non-toxic, biodegradable, and free from harmful residues

Why FGMO Is Preferred Over Chemicals:

• Cost-effective and widely accessible
• Environmentally safe, with no impact on honey quality or consumer health
• Complies with FDA standards, making it safe for incidental contact with honey products

Why Choose STE Oil Company’s Food Grade Mineral Oil?

At STE Oil Company, we are proud to provide Crystal Plus® FGMO—a high-purity mineral oil trusted across industries for over 30 years. Our commitment to quality, regulatory compliance, and responsive customer service makes us a top supplier nationwide.

Whether you’re a food manufacturer, commercial kitchen, woodworker, or beekeeper, STE Oil delivers mineral oil solutions you can trust.

Contact us today to learn more or request a sample of our Food Grade Mineral Oil.
Safe. Pure. Proven. That’s the STE Oil Standard.