1.Background of the Use of Sanitary Valves

Sanitary valves play a crucial role in industries where hygiene, safety, and cleanliness are non-negotiable. From dairy and beverage processing to pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, sanitary valves help ensure contamination-free fluid control throughout the production process.

Unlike conventional industrial valves, sanitary valves are designed with smooth surfaces, easy-to-clean materials, and hygienic flow paths that prevent the buildup of bacteria and other contaminants. However, having a hygienic design is only the beginning. In regulated industries, compliance with global standards is equally critical.

2.Why Do These Industries Attach So Much Importance to the “Standard Certification” of Valves?

In sectors like food, dairy, and biopharma, even minor contamination can lead to product recalls, regulatory fines, or worse—health hazards. This is why manufacturers and suppliers are under pressure to ensure their sanitary valves meet strict standards and carry relevant certifications.

Standards help create a common language for safety, performance, and hygiene. They also give end-users peace of mind that the equipment will perform consistently, can be cleaned effectively, and complies with legal and quality requirements. In this blog, we’ll explore three key certifications every professional should know when choosing sanitary valves: 3A Certification, EHEDG Certification, and FDA Approval Certificate.

3.3 Key Standards of Sanitary Valves You Should Know

3.1 3A Certification

3.1.1 Standard Introduction

3A Sanitary Standards are widely recognized across the United States and globally in the food, dairy, and beverage industries. Administered by 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. (3-A SSI), this certification focuses on the hygienic design of equipment used in processing systems.

The 3A symbol confirms that a valve meets criteria for material safety, cleanability, and overall sanitary design. For a valve to be 3A certified, it must undergo rigorous inspection and documentation review.

3.1.2 Actual Impact on Sanitary Valves

For manufacturers and engineers, 3A Certification isn’t just a badge—it’s a business advantage. Valves with 3A certification ensure:

• Easy disassembly for inspection and cleaning
• Surfaces polished to specific roughness limits
• Design that prevents bacterial buildup and dead zones

Choosing 3A sanitary valves ensures regulatory compliance and boosts customer confidence, especially when supplying dairy and food processing plants in the U.S. and other regulated markets.

3.2 EHEDG Certification

3.2.1 Standard Introduction

EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) certification is another prestigious mark for sanitary equipment, especially in the European market. It emphasizes both cleanability and hygienic engineering, particularly in food and pharma applications.

EHEDG combines theoretical guidelines with practical testing, ensuring equipment can be reliably cleaned in place (CIP) or sterilized in place (SIP).

3.2.2 Actual Impact on Sanitary Valves

Valves with EHEDG certification are trusted across Europe and in many global pharma and food operations. Benefits include:

• Compatibility with CIP/SIP processes
• Assurance of hygienic construction, free of contamination traps
• Confidence in cross-border regulatory compliance

For manufacturers exporting to or operating in the EU, having EHEDG-certified sanitary valves significantly reduces barriers and simplifies audits.

3.3 FDA Approval

3.3.1 Standard Introduction

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States regulates all components that come into contact with consumable products. In the context of sanitary valves, FDA approval typically pertains to the materials used—such as elastomers, gaskets, and metal surfaces.

FDA-compliant materials must not leach harmful substances into products and must withstand cleaning chemicals and high temperatures.

3.3.2 Actual Impact on Sanitary Valves

When selecting valves for food, beverage, or pharmaceutical production lines, FDA approval ensures:

• Non-toxic and food-safe materials
• Resistance to degradation or chemical leaching
• Compliance with U.S. regulations for food-contact surfaces

Manufacturers that obtain an FDA approval certificate for their valve components strengthen their brand’s integrity and gain access to a larger and more regulated market.

4.Conclusion

Understanding these three key certifications—3A, EHEDG, and FDA—is vital when selecting or specifying sanitary valves for sensitive industries. Each standard plays a different but equally important role in ensuring that valves meet global expectations for hygiene, safety, and compliance.

Investing in certified 3A sanitary valves not only helps your business comply with regulations but also enhances your reputation in competitive markets. Whether you’re supplying equipment to dairy farms, beverage bottling plants, or pharmaceutical cleanrooms, staying informed about these certifications puts you a step ahead.

If you’re looking for sanitary valves that meet the highest international standards, Efun VALVE is your reliable partner. With a strong focus on quality, safety, and performance, Efun VALVE offers a wide range of 3A sanitary valves that comply with EHEDG certification and hold FDA approval certificates. Backed by years of manufacturing expertise and trusted by customers worldwide, Efun ensures your system operates with confidence and compliance.