What Is Food Grade Material?

Listen Now Pause

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.

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 food contact surfaces are suitable for human consumption. A food safe material meets higher standards to ensure they won't negatively affect food safe 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 safe means true protection, it’s crucial to choose materials that meet safety requirements and are suited for their intended use. This ensures the highest level of quality, safety, and performance in production.

To learn more about choosing the right materials for food equipment and what to look for in sanitary equipment and containers, keep an eye out for CSI's series detailing various food safety organizations, standards, and regulations.