A lubricant composition is provided for use in lubricating a conveyor track for bottles, cans, kegs and other containers for beverages and foodstuffs. The composition comprises a phosphate ester of the formula R.sub.1--(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n--O--P(O)(OH).sub.2 where n is in the range of from 0 to 10, and R.sub.1 is a C.sub.9 to C.sub.20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl group or a mixture of such alkyl groups; and water. The composition has a pH of from about 1 to about 3.5. The composition optionally further comprises a biocidal agent, an acid, and a synthetic surfactant. Also disclosed is a method for lubricating a conveyor track by applying an effective amount of such a lubricating composition.