What Is Food Grade Material?
In the food industry, ensuring that materials used in the production process are safe for food and contact with food substances is essential for protecting both product quality and consumer health. A critical term in this realm is "food grade material." Food manufacturers and food producers must use materials that are specifically designed to meet safety standards and prevent contamination during production. But what exactly is considered a food grade product, and how does it impact the integrity of the food supply chain? Let’s explore the concept further to understand its importance in maintaining the highest standards in the food industry.
The Definition of “Food Grade Materials”
The term, “food grade,” generally refers to the materials used in equipment. To be defined as food grade, materials need to be non-toxic and safe for consumption.
“Food grade is just a term. It's not an organization or regulation. When plants build or service machines, it's their responsibility to understand what food grade means for materials and how to use them,” said Trent Bullock, Process Engineer at CSI.
Food grade equipment and devices are important, because products are usually in direct contact with the devices manufacturing the food products. Chemical compounds in the materials could leach into exposed product, or some situations, could result in tiny pieces of a material transferring directly into the product to be consumed.
When equipment is designed to be food grade, these hazards are avoided. For example, if a food grade silicone o-ring or food grade stainless steel tubing is exposed to hot or acidic food products, no harmful chemicals can leach out of the silicone into that product. If a tiny amount of food grade lubricant or grease makes its way to a product-contact portion of a piece of equipment, it will not cause harm to the end user.
However, food grade is only a term to describe the material of equipment and does not mean that the equipment, as a whole, is safe for food. Other factors, such as cleanability, need to be taken into account. The only way to guarantee that a piece of equipment is sanitary is by depending on certifications from organizations like 3-A Sanitary Standards and European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) and utilizing proper installation and maintenance methods.
Why Material Selection Matters for Different Industry Professionals
Choosing the right food-grade materials is about more than meeting regulatory requirements—it directly impacts safety, efficiency, and longevity in food processing environments. From contractors to engineers, processing industry professionals all play an essential role in selecting materials that ensure compliance, durability, and overall process reliability.
For Contractors:
Choosing the right food-grade materials, such as AL-6XN® or Hastelloy® C-22®, is critical for compliance and durability in food processing installations. Using inferior materials can lead to premature failure, regulatory violations, and increased maintenance costs. Contractors must ensure that all installed components, such as Pipetite® sanitary seals for pipes, walls, ceilings, and more, meet industry standards and withstand harsh processing environments.
At CSI, we supply AL-6XN, Hastelloy C-22, and other high-performing alloys, ensuring compliance and longevity in food processing installations. Our experts can help you browse our materials or contact us for recommendations.
For Food/Dairy/Beverage Processors:
Improper material selection can lead to microbial contamination, increased maintenance, and costly downtime. Materials that corrode or degrade over time create hidden risks, leading to product recalls or inefficiencies in production. While the cost can be more on the front end, choosing high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials helps maintain sanitary conditions and ensures long-term food and beverage processing reliability.
CSI offers a full range of corrosion-resistant materials and sanitary seals that meet 3-A and FDA standards. Our team ensures you get the right materials to reduce downtime and improve efficiency. View our solutions or talk to an expert.
For OEMs & Engineers:
Industry standards like ASME BPE, FDA, and 3-A Sanitary Standards set guidelines to ensure safe equipment materials for food processing applications. Choosing the correct alloys, pumps, or valves ensures long-term performance and compliance with safety regulations. Engineers and OEMs must carefully evaluate material properties to align with performance and regulatory requirements.
CSI not only supplies compliant materials but also partners with OEMs and engineers to optimize equipment designs with the best sanitary materials. Need help meeting ASME BPE and 3-A standards? Explore our product range or reach out for custom solutions.
Food Grade Materials vs. Food Safe Materials
While all food-safe materials are food-grade, not all food-grade materials qualify as food-safe. The distinction lies in the intended use and whether the material can safely come into contact with food without introducing contaminants. A food-safe material meets higher standards to ensure it won’t negatively affect food products or pose risks during production. For example, food-grade materials may pass basic quality checks but may not be FDA-compliant or capable of handling the recommended safe temperature range for your specific food equipment. To ensure food safety means proper protection, choosing materials that meet safety requirements and are suited for their intended use is crucial. This provides the highest quality, safety, and performance in production.
Ensure Food Safety and Compliance with the Right Materials
Selecting the right food-grade materials isn't just about compliance—it’s about protecting your products, equipment, and brand. CSI provides high-performance alloys, sanitary fittings, and corrosion-resistant materials designed to meet 3-A, FDA, and ASME BPE standards.
🔹 Engineers & OEMs: Ensure long-term performance
🔹 Contractors: Install trusted, industry-approved materials
🔹 Food & Beverage Processors: Reduce downtime and contamination risks
Don’t take chances with food safety. Explore our solutions today. Contact our experts for custom solutions, or browse our high-quality materials now.
Expert Bio
Trent Bullock - Process Engineer
Trent graduated from University Missouri Rolla, currently known as Missouri University of Science and Technology, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has vast industry experience in controls and automation, process engineering, manufacturing engineering, and OEM equipment development. He has been a Process Engineer at CSI since 2012 and is responsible for designing sanitary process and control systems for food, dairy, and beverage industries. He is focused on providing support and technical expertise to both internal and external customers.
ABOUT CSI
Central States Industrial Equipment (CSI) is a leader in distribution of hygienic pipe, valves, fittings, pumps, heat exchangers, and MRO supplies for hygienic industrial processors, with four distribution facilities across the U.S. CSI also provides detail design and execution for hygienic process systems in the food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and personal care industries. Specializing in process piping, system start-ups, and cleaning systems, CSI leverages technology, intellectual property, and industry expertise to deliver solutions to processing problems. More information can be found at www.csidesigns.com.