Versilon XFR hose achieves FDA food contact compliance
Lighter than traditional suction and discharge hoses, Versilon XFR is flexible to facilitate pump and tank attachment. The hose is compatible with many food product types such as dairy, beer, wine, and spirits.
Hoses are used in the Food & Beverage processing industry for a variety of loading and transfer applications. To achieve the desired performance, the hose is commonly constructed with a relatively complicated layer structure. These structures include an inner liner (in direct contact with food), one or more reinforcement layers, and an outer jacket layer (to reduce wear and tear), sometimes resulting in upwards of seven or more layers.
These hoses are regulated by the FDA, as the chemicals from the food contact layer could migrate into the transferred food or beverages and pose adverse health risks.
Saint-Gobain conducted a study to test the compliance of Versilon XFR hose as a whole rather than only its food contact layer.
The results showed all Versilon XFR’s layers are FDA compliant: its inner bromobutyl rubber tube, which reduces the risk of flavor contamination, its reinforcement layer, and its smooth, convoluted blue hose cover, which is abrasion, ozone, aging, oil and chemical resistant.
Additionally, the company said the outer cover's wide corrugated, low friction material is easy to clean and leaves no marks when dragged on the floor.
Versilon XFR hose assemblies conform to the 3-A Sanitary Standard 62-02, and it can be cleaned via CIP or SIP methods.
The company also has reusable ReSeal fittings available for use with Versilon XFR. As the hose is replaced, the fittings can be reused. Additionally, Saint-Gobain offers a full line of permanent crimp style fittings specifically designed to work with Versilon XFR. Its HoseGard hose support can be added to elevate the hose from the floor in washdown applications.
The results of the study have been published in a white paper Are Hoses Used for Food and Beverage Transfer Applications Really Safe for Consumers?
