Every day, billions of people rely on food and drinks that have been processed, stored, transported and prepared safely. Behind this global food system is a material that often goes unnoticed: stainless steel.

From dairy and brewing equipment to commercial kitchens, food factories and household appliances, stainless steel helps protect food quality, prevent contamination and support high standards of hygiene throughout the supply chain. More than 30% of all stainless steel produced is used in food and beverage related applications.

Easy to clean

Stainless steel surfaces are smooth and non-porous, making them easier to clean and disinfect than many alternative materials. Food residues, moisture and bacteria have fewer places to accumulate, helping manufacturers and food service operators maintain hygienic conditions.

Resistant to corrosion

Food processing environments often involve acids, salts, cleaning chemicals and frequent washing. Stainless steel resists corrosion, helping equipment maintain its integrity and cleanliness over many years of service.

Safe for food preparation

Independent testing carried out using the Council of Europe guidelines for food contact materials confirmed that stainless steel grades passed the prescribed release limits for relevant metallic elements. This provides further evidence of the suitability of stainless steel for food preparation applications. Read more here

Durable and long-lasting

Unlike some materials that may crack, chip or degrade over time, stainless steel maintains its performance even under demanding operating conditions. This reduces maintenance requirements and helps ensure consistent hygiene standards.

Stainless steel supports hygienic food production at every stage:

Hygienic design matters

Food safety depends not only on the material itself, but also on how equipment is designed and fabricated.

Correct grade selection, smooth surface finishes, proper welding and hygienic design principles all contribute to equipment that can be effectively cleaned and maintained. This is why stainless steel has become the preferred material for many of the world’s most demanding food and beverage applications.

The hygienic properties of stainless steel help improve food safety in restaurants, schools, public kitchens, healthcare facilities and food manufacturing plants around the world. These benefits are particularly significant in developing economies, where robust, easy-to-clean equipment can contribute to improved public health and food quality.