Food and beverage companies must comply with strict standards that indicate the type of equipment they can use for their production operations. These requirements and restrictions are enforced to ensure the safety of consumers as the wrong equipment can lead to product contamination. They may apply to the entire piece of equipment as well as to the individual components, such as the transfer hoses.

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In the United States, food-grade hoses must be designed and built to the specifications outlined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This ensures they allow for the clean and safe transfer of food materials. While these components come in numerous variations, differing with regard to size, pressure rating, and temperature rating to suit different customer needs, they also have some common characteristics.

Below, we highlight the shared characteristics of food-grade hoses as well as outline some of their typical applications.

Key Characteristics of Food-Grade Hoses

Food-grade hoses are made from flexible materials, such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or thermoplastic rubber. Additionally, they typically have an internal helical wire made from spring steel or stainless steel that provides strength and durability to the overall assembly. While they may look like other types of hoses, they differ from them in the following ways:

• Non-toxic, non-metal construction. Metal components are susceptible to corrosion, which can lead to product contamination during production operations. Plastics and rubbers offer an inherent resistance to corrosion, making them ideal for equipment used in food and beverage operations.
• Excellent durability. Food-grade hoses are designed to withstand the harsh conditions found in food processing facilities (e.g., high temperatures and pressures). As a result, they are often more durable than other types of hoses.
• Pressure capacity. Many food processing operations rely on the maintenance of various pressure conditions. Quality food-grade hoses are capable of achieving and sustaining specific pressure and vacuum levels as needed.
• Odorless/tasteless design. Food-grade hoses are engineered to not add any odors, contamination or flavors to the conveyed material, which helps maintain the integrity of the final product's taste and aroma.  

Typical Applications of Food-Grade Hoses

In food processing applications, food-grade hoses are generally used to transport bulk dry food materials, such as cereal, flour and sugar. They are also used in pharmaceutical production operations to transport capsules and tablets. In both cases, Flexaust food-grade hoses are made with FDA-acceptable materials and, if necessary, USDA standards for food contact.

These hoses can be cut to different lengths and fitted with various fittings. This customizability ensures the hose assembly meets the equipment and operation requirements.

Contact the Hose Experts at Flexaust for Your Food-Grade Needs Today

Food-grade hoses are a critical element of many food processing operations. Need quality hose components for your food production facility? Turn to the hose experts at Flexaust today!

Our food-grade hoses are suitable for any light material handling operation involving solid foods and powders. While they come in a variety of materials and sizes, all of them are made with FDA-acceptable materials. Typical applications for these hose products include:

• Food factory venting
• Cereal manufacturing
• Cosmetic manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Sugar manufacturing
• Flour manufacturing
• Spices manufacturing
• Tablet manufacturing

Food-Grade Hoses from Flexaust 

Found in our food-grade hose page, below are the hose products Flexaust recommends for the job: 

• FlexStat CR. This hose is made clear white and made with FDA-acceptable materials. It is also ideal for clean room and pharmaceutical applications, powder processing, and pneumatic conveying systems.
• Flx-Thane SD. This product has the appropriate static properties when it comes to a powder application. It is also clear and manufactured with FDA-acceptable materials.
• R-4. This clear PVC hose has great compressibility and a great choice for fine material handling in the food manufacturing industry.
• White. Perfect for food-grade and pharmaceutical use, this Double-ply white acrylic coated polyester fabric hose is a versatile option.
  

Food Grade Hose - Buyers Guide

Food-grade hoses play a vital role in ensuring the safety and quality of food and beverages produced. Organizations such as HACCP, FDA, CDC, and SHIPSAN enforce regulations to prevent product contamination. Food-grade hoses are made from flexible materials like polyurethane, PVC, and thermoplastic rubber. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, making it essential to choose the proper hose for each application, including the transportation of highly fragrant products. This article discusses the main features, materials, certifications, and applications of food-grade hoses.

Table of contents

• Why do I need a food-grade hose?
• Food-grade certifications and regulations
• Food-grade hose materials
• Selection criteria
• Applications
• FAQs

Why do I need a food-grade hose?

Food-safe hoses enable the safe and hygienic transfer of liquid and dry bulk food materials. These hoses protect food products from external contaminants during the transfer. Because these hoses come into contact with food products, it is crucial to use the appropriate hose material to prevent any contamination of foreign substances into the food products. Therefore, the hose must adhere to specific standards to avoid deterioration that could potentially impact the quality, aroma, purity, or taste of the food products flowing through it. While they may look like other types of hoses, food processing hoses differ from them in the following ways:

• Non-toxic, non-metal construction: Plastics and rubbers offer inherent corrosion resistance, making them ideal for food and beverage operation equipment. Metal components, excluding stainless steel, are often susceptible to corrosion, which contaminates food products.
• Excellent durability: Food-grade hoses are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of food processing facilities (e.g., high temperatures, pressures, and abrasion).
• Pressure capacity: Many food processing operations maintain various pressure conditions. A wide variety of food-grade hoses is available on the market suited for use in vacuum and pneumatic applications.
• Odorless/tasteless design: The food-grade hoses are designed not to add odors to products, contamination, or flavors to the conveyed material, nor do they absorb odors. This helps keep the taste and aroma of the final product intact.

Food-grade certifications and regulations

Food-grade hoses should comply with various standards, regulations, and certifications:

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• FDA (Food and Drug Administration): In the United States, the FDA regulates materials like plastics, rubbers, and metals that contact food, with CFR177. specifically addressing the suitability of rubber and rubber-like compounds for food-grade use.
• EU Regulation /: (EC) / - EU is a European regulation that governs materials and objects, including plastic, rubber, metal, and silicone hoses, intended for contact with food and beverages.
• NSF (National Sanitation Foundation): NSF/ANSI 51: Food Equipment Materials is a standard that applies to materials and finishes used in the manufacture of food equipment, which includes food-grade hoses. It specifies requirements for the materials to be non-toxic, durable, and easy to clean.

Food-grade hose materials

Food-grade hoses are made from flexible materials, such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and thermoplastic rubber. Additionally, they have an internal spiral wire made from stainless steel that provides strength and durability to the overall assembly.

Thermoplastics

Thermoplastic hoses are made from flexible plastic polymer materials tolerant to heat and chemicals. These hoses are suitable for transferring and processing various liquid food products, juices, beer, wine, water, pastes, and syrups. The primary materials under this category are polyurethane, PVC, and PTFE.

Rubber

The durability of rubber food-grade hoses makes them excellent for demanding, heavy-duty food transfer applications. Like thermoplastic hoses, rubber hoses are designed to handle the suction and discharge of various liquid food products and edible grains. The most common rubbers used are NBR and EPDM.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is an excellent alternative for applications that do not require flexible hosing. Stainless steel is easy to clean and widely used in the food and beverage tube industries. Typically, the material meets and exceeds the requirements of food and beverage safety standards.

Selection criteria

A good quality food-grade hose will not merely transport food, but it will preserve its integrity and quality during the process. When selecting food-grade hoses for a particular application, there are several factors to consider to ensure that the hose is safe, effective, and compliant with regulatory requirements.

1. Material composition and regulations: Common materials used in food-grade hoses include PVC, silicone, rubber, and polyurethane. The material should be compliant with FDA, USDA, or other applicable regulations for food-grade products.
   1. Food-grade hoses used in the UK and Europe must comply with the standards outlined in (EU) No.10/ and (EC) No./ for food contact applications.
   2. Food hoses intended for transferring drinking water must also be approved by NSF51 and NSF61.
   3. In the US, food-grade hoses must be made from materials that are FDA-approved.
2. Temperature: For high-temperature applications, materials such as silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) are commonly used due to their ability to handle temperatures up to 204 °C (400 °F) and sometimes higher. For instance, silicone hoses are widely used in baking, candy making, and other high-temperature food processing applications. For low-temperature applications, materials such as PVC, polyurethane, and rubber are commonly used due to their ability to handle temperatures as low as -40 °C (-40 °F).
3. Pressure: Choose a food-grade hose with a pressure rating that matches the pressure requirements of the application. For example, a high-pressure hose may be required for transferring thick or viscous liquids, while a low-pressure hose may be suitable for transferring thin liquids, such as water or beer.
4. Flexibility: Flexible food-grade hoses are easier to install and are less likely to break, which can prevent contamination of the food or beverage being transferred. Flexible food-grade hoses are typically made from materials such as silicone, PVC, and polyurethane, and they can be reinforced with wire or other materials to enhance their flexibility and durability.

Applications

Food-grade hoses are utilized in any situation where food or drink must be moved from one location to another. They can be found not only in food processing facilities but also in other settings such as pubs, restaurants, and breweries. Additionally, food hoses are used in the pharmaceutical industry due to their capacity to transfer substances without affecting their aroma or taste. Table 1 shows standard food-grade material hoses, temperature range, and typical applications.

Table 1: Standard food-grade material hoses, temperature range, and typical applications

Material Application Temperature range PVC Ideal for applications where pressure and temperature are limited, such as drinking water, soft drinks, and various raw materials. PVC hoses are transparent, lightweight, and flexible. -20 'C - 60 'C (-4 'F - 140 'F) PTFE PTFE hoses are ideal where temperature, pressure, or movement are high'used for filters and centrifuges, fragrances, and flavorings. PTFE has excellent chemical resistance and is typically easy to clean. -70 'C - 260 'C (-94 'F - 500 'F) Polyurethane Hoses made of polyurethane are used with dry and abrasive foods. Polyurethane is resistant to fatty foods and is suitable for dry ingredients such as spices and milk powders. -40 'C - 90 'C (-40 'F - 194 'F) NBR For applications needing oil and greaseproof material. Among other applications, NBR hoses are used with dairy products, oils, mayonnaise, and soft drinks. -30 'C - 100 'C (-22 'F - 212 'F) EPDM EPDM hoses are commonly used for drinks and juices. Beverages such as beer, soft drinks, and wine are also used with EPDM hoses, which can also be used for high-alcohol beverages. -70 'C - 260 'C(-94 'F - 500 'F) Stainless steel Used almost exclusively for applications with high temperatures. Typically expensive to use but offers unmatched reliability, is easy to clean, and can be used for nearly all products. -100 'C - 300 'C (-148 'F - 572 °F)

FAQs

What makes a hose food grade?

A hose is considered 'food grade' if it meets certain criteria and standards that make it safe for food processing and handling applications.

Is polyethylene tubing safe for drinking water?

Yes, but ensure the tubing is labeled as 'NSF-61' or 'NSF-PW' certified. This means it has been tested and approved for use in potable water applications by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

What is a food-grade water hose?

A food-grade water hose is designed for use in food and beverage applications where the hose will come into contact with potable water.

Is vinyl tubing food-safe?

Vinyl tubing can be suitable for some food and beverage applications, but not all vinyl tubing is rated for use with food and potable water.

What is an FDA-approved plastic?

Some plastic types that are commonly used for food packaging and have received FDA clearance include Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC), and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Food Grade PVC Hose.