Food safety is a top priority for consumers and producers. When you think of food production, stainless steel may not be something that typically comes to mind, but you should probably think of it.
Stainless steel plays a crucial part in the production and safety of our food. In the food processing industry, stainless steel is used throughout the entire process from harvesting, handling, and storing, to cooking and serving.
Just like academic grades, the particular ‘grade’ of stainless steel refers to how it measured up against a variety of tests and requirements. However, in the case of stainless steel, these measurements refer to its quality, durability and temperature resistance.
Food grade stainless steel is steel that met all criteria to be deemed safe for food preparation, storage and dining.
The most common food grade stainless steel is Type 304. But 304 grade stainless steel also goes by another name or code, 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel. These numbers refer to the composition of the stainless steel; the amount of chromium and nickel in the product. Both 18/8 and 18/10 contain 18% chromium, and 8% or 10% of nickel respectively. It accounts for more than 50% of all stainless steel produced. Cheaper than 316L, 304 is an economical and practical choice for most environments.
304 can withstand corrosion from most oxidizing acids. This durability makes it easy to sanitize, and therefore ideal for many kitchen and food applications. It also has good forming and welding properties, allowing it to be manufactured into a variety of shapes.
304 grade stainless steel is so popular in the food industry because of its resistance to oxidization and corrosion. The chromium protects the product from oxidization or rust, whereas the nickel content rescues the food grade drum from corrosion. The higher the nickel content, the more resistant the stainless steel is to corrosion.
Stainless steel has become one of the most common materials found in kitchens and the food industry today. From food processing plants to large, commercial kitchens to your own kitchen at home, stainless steel is ever present. It’s corrosion and oxidization resistance paired with durability and how easy it is to clean has made stainless steel one of the safest materials in the food preparation and storage industries. In addition to resisting various acids found in meats, milk, fruits and veggies, there are also no chemicals within type 304 stainless steel that can migrate to your food, making it a safe, strong and durable choice for appliances, dishware, utensils, food storage and more.
In terms of safety, the 304 stainless steel produced by Guangdong Infull Industry and Trade Co., Ltd. is first-class. Check out our online catalog of all food grade stainless steel kitchenware.
