Food Grade Hose and Fittings
Food Grade Hose and Fittings Explained
Let's face it. Food grade hoses and fittings can be much more complicated to understand than other types of hose. These items are designed to come in contact with and transport food products and semi-finished food products. Anybody that has worked in the food industry at any level knows the standards for food safety are extremely high, and the process of transporting them is no exception. They must be complaint with FDA (or any governing agency that deals with food laws depending on where the application is happening) standards and should go through testing that all other hoses go through (visual inspection, hydrostatic proof pressure test, etc.) to ensure maximum life and quality. This guide will break down some of the materials and US standards to be aware of when selecting food grade hose and fittings.
US Regulations for Food Grade Hose and Fittings
According to tubes international, organizations that have food grade hose and fitting standards include the
You can click on each item for more detailed information. Please keep in mind that transporting drinking water must adhere to specific standards, such as NSF-61. This is also true for the shipment of products in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical sectors. If you are transporting materials internationally, it's essential to research the laws and regulations of the destination country.
Food Grade Hose and Fitting Materials
Food Grade Hose is usually made of either a rubber or plastic inner layer and must not contain any materials that could endanger human health or contaminate the quality of the material being conveyed through it. All materials used in a food grade hose assembly should be approved to come in contact with food.
There should be careful considerations when selecting sanitary fittings. Fittings are usually made of stainless steel, but make sure to verify that the fittings are sanitary grade before using the hose assembly.
Final Advice
With the food industry and sanitation guidelines continuously evolving, it's essential you stay up to date with guidelines regarding food transport. It's best to talk to an expert before purchasing any hose for a new application. You can contact our sales team today to get recommendations from our hose experts.
