Why Stainless Steel is a Good Choice for Processors?

 Food processors the world over are facing stricter and stricter restrictions in the form of international regulations and compliance. This is a fact that contributes to the betterment of a healthy globe, but it also comes with a tight learning curve for processors.

You see, as technology evolves and more and more facilities are making use of autonomous components for faster production times, these new pieces of equipment must be tested and confirmed as being ‘food-grade’ first, and only contain materials and finishes that have been deemed safe for use in the food industry. This means that materials, such as food-grade stainless steel, will also be put to the test during audit-time –and if they don’t fit the bill to the letter, it could mean very bad news for the producer. 

So, if you work in food production or are part of a team that designs equipment for the industry, it’s high time that you educate yourself on the potential compliance headaches that can come with surface materials. Today, we’re going to delve deep into food-grade stainless steel and the form that it must exist in when used in processing facilities.

When it comes to equipment surfaces used in food processing, it’s safe to say that stainless steel is the gold standard for a multitude of reasons. For one, it comes in a wide variety of finishes that serve as strong, versatile options for the most cutting-edge food processing equipment used in today’s facilities.



Here are some more reasons why food-grade stainless steel is so often used by food processors:

Its impermeable surface prevents contamination

It’s available in a wide range of versatile finishes

Its smooth surface is designed with easy cleaning in mind

In its highest quality form, it does not nick, dent, or break easily

It isn’t susceptible to acid erosion that is sometimes created by certain foods

Its surface provides chemical and bacteriological neutrality

It’s made to blend easily with other finishes

It’s made to handle frequent washings with noxious detergents

Its finish is fire-resistant

It acts as a neutral surface for food products, which means it doesn’t pick up or transfer any food smells

When maintained sufficiently, it doesn’t fall victim to corrosion or aging

It has stain and transfer-resistant properties

Of course, stainless steel won’t be found in each and every component of a food facility, but it does represent most standard finishes. Here are some of its most common applications via Alliant Metals:

Evaporator tubes

Flour silos

Syrup tanks

Beer kegs

Ice cream molds

Conveyor systems

Double wall food transport container

Tanks holding dairy

Food mixers

Peeling machines

Food pulverizers

Confectionary equipment

Industrial ovens

In addition to the stainless steel used for food-contact surfaces and other materials, food processing equipment is also equipped with equipment nameplates, which convey essential information such as the product name, health and safety warnings, and important equipment data. Stainless steel equipment nameplates are the preferred choice in the food processing industry, thanks to stainless steel’s antibacterial properties, excellent resistance to dents, scratches, and stains, and superior performance in highly caustic or acidic environments.

Depending on the specifications of the facility and product, stainless steel finishes can also be used for a myriad of other tools and equipment. As you can see by the above applications, its versatile, ultra-smooth surface is appropriate for all kinds of materials and temperatures, whether the food is hot or cold, or in liquid or solid forms.

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