They do sell a food-grade grease, but not to me. Looking at the existing grease in the gearhead, it looks similar to axle grease. Researching food-grade grease on Amazon shows many reviews raising this problem, but no definitive solutions. It's not lithium grease.
Why would you need a "food grade" grease? You're not eating the grease; it's supposed to be contained inside the mechanism. If it's leaking out into the food, that sounds like a pretty horrible design and a product you shouldn't use under any circumstances. Maybe I'm just not understanding this product at all.
My mixer is 50 years old. Over the years, I've pulled the head apart a couple of times when it starts to squeak, and it's obvious there is a very gradual loss of grease - I've re-spread it into the gears.
There is no seal on the shaft that holds the beater.
Kitchenaid is made by Hobart, and they are the lead manufacturer in this market. The design is fine and very rugged.
I don't want use any grease that has traces of heavy metals or, e.g., moly disulfide. There is such a thing as food grade grease for use in mixers, candy machines, etc., but I just haven't yet laid my hands on any.
