Why Food & Drink Hoses are Crucial for Maintaining Hygiene Standards

The Hosemaster

April 16, 2025

Why Food & Drink Hoses are Crucial for Maintaining Hygiene Standards

Hygiene is the name of the game in the food and beverage industry. From processing to packaging, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness isn’t just important, it’s an essential part of regulations that protect from contamination and prevent risk to public health.

At the beating heart of this industry is the humble hose. These hoses are essential for transferring liquids and dry bulk materials, preventing contamination and upholding product integrity.

In this article, we’ll cover why making sure food-grade and drink hoses stay clean is so vital, the challenges faced, and the regulations, certifications, and standards that surround it.

The importance of food-grade hoses

Food-grade hoses act as a barrier against external contamination, preventing dirt, dust, and environmental hazards from entering the system. Whether transferring liquids, powders, or viscous substances, the materials used, and construction of these hoses, has to ensure that cleanliness is maintained throughout the process.

Why? Because compliance with food safety regulations is non-negotiable. In the EU, food-grade hoses must meet the standards of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) guidelines, which focus on identifying and mitigating risks at every stage of food production. Other relevant bodies, including SHIPSAN and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), contribute to shaping global standards for hygienic practices in food processing and transport.

Meeting these stringent hygiene standards begins with using the right equipment. As the name suggests, food-grade hoses are specifically designed to handle food and beverage products without compromising their quality, or consumption safety.

For example, the materials used in food-grade hoses are carefully selected to prevent internal contamination; non-toxic materials that do not leach harmful substances into products are paramount. Materials such as rubber, silicone, and PTFE are commonly chosen as they resist the build-up of bacteria and other microorganisms within the hose.

By reducing the potential for contamination, food hoses are designed to prevent alterations to the purity, smell, quality, and taste of food and beverages. This is particularly important for industries where the subtle nuances of product quality – such as the aroma of wine or the texture of a sauce – are essential for consumer satisfaction, and therefore, business reputation.

Food-grade hoses are more than mere conduit. They play an integral part of the hygiene strategy in food and beverage production.

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The principles of hygienic design

Hygienic design is fundamental to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety in the food and beverage industry. It revolves around denying microorganisms the opportunity to grow, thrive, or accumulate. With hoses, this means being sure that their internal and external surfaces are easy to clean, and free from spaces where residue can build up.

This is highly important within a food production environment, as even minuscule amounts of residue can serve as breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to significant risks.

As such, many food-grade hoses are designed with smooth internal surfaces to reduce the possibility for bacteria to hang around and multiply. This smoothness has the added benefit of making it much easier to clean and disinfect.

The challenge of contact areas

Another of the critical factors in preventing contamination is the design of hose contact areas. What we mean by this is the parts of a hose that come into direct contact with other objects or the environment. For example, smooth, streamlined surfaces reduce the chances of contaminants becoming trapped.

A key element in this is in the use of internal expanded hose barbs. Unlike traditional hose barb ends, which may be banded or externally crimped, internal expanded barbs create a seamless profile between the hose and the coupling, eliminating crevices where contaminants could lurk.

Another element to consider are hose end connections. Traditional coupling methods, such as pressed connections, can create dead spaces where food particles or liquids accumulate. Instead, using pressed connections with smooth profiles can prevent these dead spaces, even under pressure or when the hose is bent.

Finally, clamping shells and other external fittings, while commonly used, can compromise hygiene by introducing areas where contaminants can collect. Replacing these with hygienic hose ends can significantly reduce the risks associated with bacterial contamination.

The importance of EHEDG

The European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group (EHEDG) is an international authority that provides guidance on implementing hygienic design in food and beverage processing. Their principles go beyond merely sticking to standards; they emphasise proactive measures which can reduce contamination risks at every stage of production.

Manufacturers and suppliers that stick to EHEDG guidelines can live safe in the knowledge that their hoses, fittings, and other equipment meet the stringent hygiene demands of the industry.

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Regulations, certifications, and standards

The food and beverage industry operates under strict regulatory frameworks designed to protect public health and uphold product safety. Food-grade hoses, being integral to maintaining hygiene standards, must comply with these regulations. Adhering to the established guidelines is not merely a matter of protocol; it is essential for avoiding legal and reputational consequences.

Regulations

Regulatory compliance begins with understanding the requirements set by authoritative bodies. These are the important regulations to watch out for:

Food Hygiene Regulations (UK)

What it is: these regulations set the standards for hygiene practices in food production, processing, and distribution within the UK.
What it does: it ensures that all equipment, including hoses, is clean and maintained properly to prevent contamination. It requires regular inspections and adherence to hygiene protocols.
Importance: non-compliance can lead to legal penalties, product recalls, and reputational damage.

Food Safety Act 1990 (UK)

What it is: a comprehensive framework for food safety in the UK, covering the entire food supply chain.
What it does: mandates that food products must be safe for consumption and accurately described, and includes provisions for the materials used in food-contact equipment.
Importance: violations can result in severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

EU Regulation 1935/2004

What it is: this regulation governs materials intended to come into contact with food within the European Union.
What it does: ensures that materials do not transfer harmful substances to food, requires traceability of materials throughout the supply chain, and includes specific testing and certification requirements for food-grade hoses.
Importance: non-compliance can lead to product bans and loss of market access in the EU.

FDA CFR Title 21 (USA)

What it is: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations for food-contact materials, including hoses.
What it does: specifies the types of materials that can be used, such as rubbers and plastics, and includes guidelines for testing and certification to ensure safety.
Importance: non-compliance can result in products being banned from the U.S. market.

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point)

What it is: a globally recognised system for managing food safety risks.
What it does: focuses on identifying and controlling potential hazards in food production, and requires a detailed plan that includes the use of hygienic equipment like hoses.
Importance: failure to comply can lead to food safety incidents and loss of certification.

3-A sanitary standards

What it is: standards for hygienic design and construction of equipment used in food processing, particularly in dairy production.
What it does: ensures that any hoses and other equipment should be easy to clean and maintain, and prevents contamination during food and beverage processing.
Importance: non-compliance can result in contamination risks and regulatory penalties.

SHIPSAN guidelines

What it is: international guidelines for hygiene and sanitation in food transport, particularly on ships.
What it does: focuses on preventing contamination during the transportation of food and beverages. It includes requirements for the materials and construction of hoses used in transport.
Importance: non-compliance can lead to food safety incidents during shipping.

NSF/ANSI standards

What it is: these are standards for food equipment materials, including hoses, ensuring safety and hygiene.
What it does: describes rigorous testing for material safety and contamination resistance to ensure compatibility with food and beverage products.
Importance: non-compliance can lead to product recalls and loss of consumer trust.

Certifications and standards

Alongside specific regulations, certifications clearly prove that a hose meets the highest safety and quality standards. These are the certifications to look out for:

NSF certification

What it is: the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certification confirms that hoses have met strict safety and hygiene standards for food and beverage applications.
How it is achieved: products undergo rigorous testing for material safety, durability, and resistance to contamination. Manufacturers must comply with NSF/ANSI 51 (for food equipment materials) or NSF/ANSI 61 (for drinking water systems).
Importance: non-compliance can lead to product recalls, legal penalties, and loss of consumer trust due to potential contamination risks.

FDA compliance

What it is: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets standards for materials that come into contact with food, verifying they are non-toxic and safe.
How it is achieved: hoses must meet FDA CFR Title 21, which outlines the requirements for food-grade materials, including rubbers and plastics.
Importance: products may be banned from the U.S. market, and companies could face lawsuits or reputational damage.

EU Regulation 1935/2004

What it is: this European regulation governs materials intended to come into contact with food, ensuring they do not transfer harmful substances.
How it is achieved: manufacturers must be able to demonstrate compliance through testing and certification by authorised bodies.
Importance: non-compliance can result in fines, product bans, and damage to brand reputation within the EU market.

HACCP certification

What it is: HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) is a globally recognised system for managing food safety risks.
How it is achieved: companies must implement a HACCP plan, identifying potential hazards and establishing control measures. Hoses must meet hygiene standards as part of this plan.
Importance: failure to comply can lead to food safety incidents, regulatory action, and loss of certification.

ISO 9001:2015

What it is: this international standard focuses on quality management systems, ensuring consistent product quality and customer satisfaction.
How it is achieved: companies must establish and maintain a quality management system, with regular audits to verify compliance.
Importance: non-compliance can result in operational inefficiencies and loss of certification.

IATF 16949:2016

What it is: while primarily used in the automotive industry, this standard is also applied to beverage production for quality assurance.
How it is achieved: companies must meet stringent quality and safety requirements, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Importance: loss of certification can impact supplier relationships and market access.

How to select the right food hose

When it comes to selecting the right food safe hose, the decision goes beyond simply finding one that is food-safe. Different applications in the food and beverage industry have unique requirements, and selecting the appropriate hose is critical for both operational efficiency and hygiene maintenance.

Below, we’ve laid out some advice to assist you with choosing the correct food safe hose for your needs…

The STAMPED procedure

To take the confusion out of this situation, manufacturers and suppliers use the tried and tested STAMPED procedure. The STAMPED acronym stands for Size, Temperature, Application, Material conveyed/media, Pressure, Ends needed, and Delivery.

Let’s break these down further:

Size: this involves assessing the internal and external diameter of the hose, as well as the overall length of the hose, to make sure it meets the flow rate and flexibility requirements of the system.
Temperature: food and drink hoses often need to be able to deal with a broad range of temperatures, from freezing to high heat, depending on the application. Assessing the temperature of the system will narrow down the possible options of hoses to only those capable of handling the temperature fluctuations.
Application: ask yourself where will the hose be used in the process? Is it indoors, or outdoors? Is it stationary, or will it be moved frequently? Understanding the hose's intended use is crucial, as this affects flexibility, pressure tolerance, and compatibility with equipment.
Material conveyed: the next question to ask is what is being transferred? The compatibility of the hose material with the product it conveys is paramount, as incompatible materials could lead to degradation or contamination of the product, affecting its quality and safety.
Pressure: what is the system pressure, or is it suction? Food-grade hoses must be rated to handle the operating pressure, including potential spikes and fluctuations, to avoid failures.
Ends needed: what type of end is required? Fittings or couplings at the hose ends must be compatible with the equipment and designed for hygienic use to prevent contamination.
Delivery: timely availability of the selected hose is another key factor, making sure there are no production delays or interruptions.

Using the STAMPED procedure acts as a comprehensive guide to help you reach an informed decision on your food-grade hose.

Material considerations

You will also need to consider the material a food safe hose is made from. Stringent safety and hygiene standards limit the number of available materials that can be used, with the following options being the most popular per category:

Food-grade materials: common options include rubber, PVC, silicone, and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), all of which have non-toxic, smooth, and flexible properties.
Abrasion resistance: for applications involving abrasive products like grains or powders, materials such as Nitrile, synthetic rubber (EPDM), and carboxylated nitrile (XNBR) can provide the necessary durability. However, in food processing, additional coverings or reinforcements are generally avoided due to hygiene concerns.
Temperature ratings: materials like silicone are primarily used for high-temperature environments, whereas rubber-based hoses are often used for lower-temperature applications.
Compatibility: checking that the hose's inner tube is compatible with the product it conveys is vital. This prevents issues such as blistering or degradation of the hose, which could lead to contamination.

The combination of robust materials and the structured STAMPED procedure ensures that food-grade hoses are perfectly suited to their role. We recommend spending the time to make sure that your chosen hose meets these requirements to save yourself the worry of errors.

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Find quality food and drink hoses at The Hosemaster

Making sure your systems are safe should be a number one priority. This means you need to use the right food and drink hoses that are specifically designed for these conditions.

At The Hosemaster, we stock a huge range of hoses and fittings to fulfil your food and beverage hose needs. Plus, we have decades of experience within the plumbing industry – which means you not only have access to superb supplies, but also expert advice when you require it.

If you have any further questions, you can get in touch with our team online, or give us a call on 01282 604 002.