Ensuring Hygiene and Compliance in Sanitary Industries
In industries where hygiene is paramount—such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology—choosing the right certified leveling feet for machinery is crucial. Two of the most recognized certifications for hygienic and sanitary equipment are:
- EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group) Hygienic Feet
- 3A-SSI (3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc.) Sanitary Feet
Both certifications ensure compliance with strict industry regulations, but they differ in design philosophy, cleanability, and intended applications. This article compares Certified EHEDG Hygienic Feet with Certified 3A-SSI Sanitary Feet, covering usage, industries, materials, leading manufacturers, certifications, case studies, and customer testimonials to help businesses make an informed decision.
Choosing Between EHEDG Hygienic Feet and 3A-SSI Sanitary Feet
EHEDG-certified hygienic feet and 3A-SSI-certified sanitary feet are essential for industries requiring strict hygiene compliance, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cleanrooms. While EHEDG feet offer crevice-free, fully-sealed designs optimized for European and global standards, 3A-SSI feet are tailored for North American dairy and food industry regulations. The right choice depends on cleanability, compliance needs, and industry applications. Investing in the correct certified feet ensures regulatory approval, improved sanitation efficiency, and long-term cost savings. Which certification best fits your operational needs? Let’s explore the differences to help you decide.
EHEDG Hygienic Feet vs. 3A-SSI Sanitary Feet: Key Differences
| Feature | EHEDG Hygienic Feet | 3A-SSI Sanitary Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Self-draining, sealed threads, smooth crevice-free surface | Designed for dairy & food safety, but may have minor crevices |
| Intended Use | Ideal for Europe-focused compliance (pharma, biotech, food processing) | Best for North American dairy & food industry |
| Surface Finish | Polished to Ra ≤ 0.8 µm for ultra-cleanability | Typically Ra ≤ 1.2 µm, ensuring food safety but allowing light surface texture |
| Materials | AISI 316L stainless steel, FDA-approved EPDM, NBR | AISI 304 or 316 stainless steel, may include plastic parts |
| Cleanability | CIP (Clean-in-Place) & SIP (Sterilization-in-Place) ready | Requires manual wash-downs in some cases |
| Certification Body | European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group (EHEDG) | 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. (3A-SSI) |
| Industries | Food, dairy, beverage, pharma, cleanroom, cosmetics | Primarily dairy, plus food & beverage processing |
| Regulatory Compliance | Aligns with EU regulations (ISO 14159, EN 1672-2) | Complies with FDA, USDA, PMO (Pasteurized Milk Ordinance) |
| Durability | Designed for aggressive washdowns & harsh chemicals | Built for frequent manual cleaning with dairy-safe cleaners |
| Cost | Higher initial cost but long-term savings in cleaning & compliance | Moderate cost but may require more frequent replacements |
Industries and Applications
Industries Using EHEDG Hygienic Feet
- Food & Beverage Processing: Used in high-hygiene zones for meat, poultry, seafood, bakery, dairy, brewing, and confectionery
- Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology: Required in cleanrooms, sterile production, vaccine manufacturing
- Cosmetics & Personal Care: Used in cream, lotion, and perfume production
- High-Purity Chemical Processing & Cleanrooms
Industries Using 3A-SSI Sanitary Feet
- Dairy Processing: Milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream production
- Food & Beverage Industry: Used in juice, soft drink, beer, and wine processing
- Meat & Poultry Processing: Ensures basic sanitation but not as rigorous as EHEDG
Key Takeaway:
EHEDG hygienic feet are optimized for cleanrooms and high-sterility environments, while 3A-SSI sanitary feet are best suited for dairy, food, and beverage processing in North America.
Material Composition
EHEDG Hygienic Feet
- AISI 316L Stainless Steel: Highly corrosion-resistant, withstands CIP/SIP cleaning
- FDA-Approved EPDM/NBR Silicone: Used for anti-slip, vibration-damping bases
- Fully Sealed Components: Prevents bacterial buildup
3A-SSI Sanitary Feet
- AISI 304/316 Stainless Steel: Durable but not always fully sealed
- Plastic/Rubber Coatings: May have FDA-compliant plastic components
- Manually Washable Design: May not support CIP/SIP cleaning
Certifications & Compliance
EHEDG Hygienic Feet Must Comply With:
- EHEDG Design Principles – Must be crevice-free and fully cleanable
- ISO 14159 – Hygiene requirements for food machinery
- EN 1672-2 – Sanitary design for food processing equipment
- FDA & EU Compliance – Approved for food contact
3A-SSI Sanitary Feet Must Comply With:
- 3-A Sanitary Standards – Focused on dairy, beverage, and food applications
- USDA Compliance – Approved for use in meat and dairy plants
- FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 – Ensures materials are food-safe
- Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) – Required for U.S. dairy processors
Key Takeaway: EHEDG certification ensures compliance with global food & pharma safety standards, while 3A-SSI is focused on North American dairy and food processing regulations.
Real-World Applications
1. Dairy Processing Facility (EU vs. US Compliance)
A dairy plant in Germany needed EHEDG-compliant hygienic feet to meet strict EU food safety laws. Meanwhile, a U.S. dairy required 3A-SSI sanitary feet for FDA and USDA approval.
Results:
✅ EHEDG feet improved cleanability, reducing bacterial contamination by 40%
✅ 3A-SSI feet ensured compliance with US dairy safety laws
2. Meat Processing Facility (Hygiene & Cost Savings)
A meat packaging facility switched from standard sanitary feet to EHEDG-certified hygienic feet, reducing:
✅ Cleaning time by 35%
✅ Water and detergent costs by 28%
3. Pharmaceutical Production (SIP Compatibility)
A pharmaceutical company using EHEDG hygienic feet achieved full compliance with FDA and EU pharma hygiene regulations, reducing contamination risks.
4. Brewery Equipment (Global Market Expansion)
A beer producer upgraded from 3A-SSI to EHEDG feet to meet EU hygiene laws, allowing exports to European markets.
Trust & Reliability
✔ “EHEDG-certified feet helped us meet global hygiene standards and expand to new markets.” – Quality Manager, Beverage Company
✔ “Switching to EHEDG feet reduced cleaning time by 50% in our biotech facility!” – Operations Director, Pharmaceutical Company
✔ “3A-SSI feet ensured our dairy plant met all FDA & USDA requirements.” – Dairy Production Engineer
EHEDG vs. 3A-SSI – Which is Best?
For pharmaceutical, biotech, and high-sterility food processing, EHEDG-certified hygienic feet are superior.
For dairy, food, and beverage processing in North America, 3A-SSI sanitary feet are ideal.
In industries where hygiene is non-negotiable, the choice between EHEDG-certified hygienic feet and 3A-SSI-certified sanitary feet can significantly impact compliance, efficiency, and safety. Understanding their key differences in design, materials, and regulatory standards will help you select the optimal solution for food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cleanroom applications.
Contact
Articles
