In industries like food, drink and pharmaceuticals, safety and hygiene come first. Every part of the production process must meet strict standards, and hoses and couplings are no exception. The wrong choice can cause contamination, lead to failed inspections, or even stop production altogether.
At JML Henderson, we supply food-grade hoses and hygienic couplings that meet the standards these industries demand. With the right equipment in place, businesses can keep their operations clean, safe and compliant.
Why Food-Grade Matters
Unlike standard industrial hoses, food and pharmaceutical hoses must be made from materials that are safe to come into contact with consumable products. They must also be easy to clean and resistant to the chemicals used in washdown and sterilisation.
Using the wrong hose or coupling can cause:
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Contamination - residues or particles can get into the product
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Bacterial growth - rough surfaces or damaged linings can harbour bacteria
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Inspection failures - failing to meet industry standards risks shutdowns or penalties
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Product recalls - costly mistakes that damage both reputation and bottom line
Choosing certified food-grade equipment reduces these risks and helps keep processes compliant.
Food-Grade Hose Options
JML Henderson stock a range of hoses suitable for food, drink and pharmaceutical use. These hoses are:
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Made from hygienic materials - resistant to fats, oils and common cleaning chemicals
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Smooth bore - designed to prevent material build-up and make cleaning easier
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Flexible and durable - suitable for liquid transfer, washdown and suction duties
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Certified - to meet strict food and hygiene regulations
Applications include dairies, breweries, soft drinks, pharmaceutical plants and food processing facilities.
Hygienic Couplings
Hoses are only half the picture. Couplings and fittings must also meet food-grade standards to ensure complete compliance.
JML Henderson supply hygienic couplings including:
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DIN 11851 - threaded stainless steel fittings with smooth internal profiles, easy to clean and resistant to corrosion
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Other hygienic types - such as SMS or RJT, also common in food and beverage processing
These couplings are designed with smooth surfaces and easy-to-clean designs that prevent bacteria build-up and support CIP (clean-in-place) and SIP (sterilise-in-place) procedures.
Testing and Traceability
Food and pharmaceutical industries rely on traceability. Every piece of equipment must be documented and proven safe for use.
That’s why JML Henderson provide:
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Pressure testing - to BFPA best practice
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Certification - supplied for compliance records
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Hose tagging - unique IDs that link each hose to its test and service history
This makes audits and inspections easier while giving operators confidence that equipment is fit for duty.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Falling short of hygiene standards can be extremely costly:
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Production downtime - while issues are investigated or equipment is replaced
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Failed audits - leading to penalties or loss of certification
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Product recalls - damaging reputation and customer trust
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Health risks - which can expose companies to legal consequences
Investing in the right hoses and couplings is a small price to pay compared to the cost of getting it wrong.
How JML Henderson Support Food-Grade Compliance
With years of experience supplying food, beverage and pharmaceutical operations, JML Henderson help customers choose the right equipment for compliance and performance. Services include:
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Supplying certified food-grade hoses and hygienic couplings
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Building and testing hose assemblies in-house
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Providing certification and tagging for traceability
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Offering re-ending and servicing to extend hose life safely
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Advising on the best solutions for specific duties and compliance requirements
By partnering with us, operators can reduce risks and keep processes running without disruption.
Final Thoughts
Food and pharmaceutical industries cannot afford to compromise on safety. Hoses and couplings may be small parts of the process, but they play a huge role in keeping systems hygienic, reliable and compliant.
At JML Henderson, we provide certified food-grade hoses and hygienic couplings, pressure-tested and tagged for full traceability. Whether you’re transferring liquids, cleaning down, or running a full production line, our solutions are built to support compliance and protect your reputation.
