Food Processing Equipment

At minimum, casters used in food processing facilities should be constructed from FDA-compliant materials. For equipment in USDA-inspected facilities, look for casters with USDA acceptance. NSF/ANSI certification (particularly NSF/ANSI 2 for food equipment) provides additional assurance that the caster design meets cleanability and material safety standards. Your facility's food safety plan and any third-party audit requirements (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000) may specify additional certification requirements.

Stainless steel is required because food processing environments involve constant exposure to water, steam, cleaning chemicals (including chlorinated and caustic solutions), and acidic food products. Carbon steel and zinc-plated frames corrode rapidly under these conditions, creating metal flake contamination, bacteria harborage in rust pits, and structural failure. Stainless steel 304 is standard for most food processing applications. Stainless steel 316 is recommended for facilities that use highly corrosive sanitizers or process high-salt or high-acid products.

Yes—food processing casters are specifically designed for washdown environments. Sealed bearings prevent water intrusion during high-pressure spray-down. Smooth, crevice-free frame designs shed water and cleaning solutions without trapping moisture. However, not all sealed bearings are rated for the same water pressure. Confirm that the caster's seal rating matches your facility's washdown pressure and temperature, particularly if you use hot water (above 140 degrees Fahrenheit) washdown procedures.

Polyurethane wheels offer the best combination of chemical resistance, load capacity, and wet-floor traction for food processing environments. Stainless steel wheels are used in extreme chemical and temperature environments but provide less traction on wet floors. Avoid standard rubber wheels, which can absorb moisture and chemicals, creating a bacterial harborage risk. All wheel materials in food processing should be non-porous and FDA-compliant.