Food processors face constant manufacturing challenges: labor-intensive cleaning, inconsistent product quality and contamination risks. One misstep caused by an unhygienic or inefficient pump can slow operations, compromise product integrity and even damage brand reputation.
This blog explains how hygienic air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pump technology compliant with European Commission Regulation 1935/2004/EC helps manufacturers maintain food safety, reduce labor and improve operational efficiency, thereby protecting both product quality and reputational standing.
What Is European Commission Regulation 1935/2004/EC?
Adopted in 2004, 1935/2004/EC establishes a framework for materials and articles that come in contact with food during production, including:
- Food-processing and storage equipment
- Packaging materials (plastic, glass, etc.)
- Cutlery and utensils
- Adhesives and inks for food labeling
The regulation’s core requirement is that materials must not transfer substances to food that could:
- Endanger human health
- Alter the composition of the food
- Change the appearance, taste or smell of the food
For food processors, this means pumps must be designed to maintain product safety at every stage of processing, from raw ingredient handling to finished product transfer.
Why AODD Pump Selection Matters for Food Processing
AODD pumps have emerged as a leading choice for food processors seeking compliance with 1935/2004/EC because they can handle a wide range of hygienic fluids, including viscous, shear-sensitive and particulate-laden products.
5 key reasons why pump selection matters:
- Material Compliance and Traceability – Product-contact components must be constructed from FDA- and 1935/2004/EC-compliant materials, like 316/316L stainless steel, that are fully traceable to meet audit requirements.
- Hygienic Design to Prevent Contamination – Pumps for food processing must be designed to minimize crevices, dead zones or external exposure where contaminants could enter production.
- Efficient Cleaning and Maintenance – Clean-in-place (CIP) and clean-out-of-place (COP) capabilities are essential for reducing labor, downtime and the risk of residual product contamination.
- Reliability Across Fluid Types – Pumps must maintain consistent flow and performance across a variety of product viscosities, temperatures and sensitivities. Choosing a suboptimal pump can cause product degradation, inconsistent yields or even complete batch rejection.
- Cost and Energy Efficiency – Modern AODD pumps are engineered for lower air consumption, higher throughput and reduced operating costs, which can translate to measurable savings for large-scale food operations.
Selecting the wrong pump for food processing can compromise product quality, increase operational costs and even put a processor at risk of regulatory non-compliance. Conversely, the right AODD pump ensures safer, more efficient and more reliable food production.
Saniflo Hygienic Series and FDA Pumps: Designed for Efficiency & Compliance in Food Processing
Wilden® Saniflo™ Hygienic™ (HS) Series and Saniflo™ FDA Series AODD Pumps are 1935/2004/EC-compliant and offer significant advantages for food processors.
- 316 or 316L stainless steel wetted paths compliant with FDA CFR 21.177, USP Class VI, 3-A, ATEX, CE and 1935/2004/EC
- Triclamp™ connections for fast maintenance, CIP and COP operations
- Pro-Flo® SHIFT Air Distribution System (ADS) optimizes air use, reduces energy costs and extends pump life.
- Up to 60% less air consumption compared to competing AODD pumps
- Up to 34% higher product yield than competitive AODD pumps
- 50% lower operating costs than electronically actuated ADS units
- Plug-and-play design with fewer moving parts
- Increased flow per SCFM for higher throughput and reduced downtime
How Do Pure-Fuse Diaphragms Optimize Food-Processing Applications?
Diaphragms play a critical role in maintaining pump hygiene and food safety in food processing. Wilden offers two options for HS and FDA pumps:
- Conventional diaphragms, which may create product-trap areas that require manual cleaning
- Pure-Fuse Integral Piston Diaphragms (IPDs), featuring seamless, one-piece food-grade construction without adhesives or fabric layers, eliminating potential contamination points
Benefits of Pure-Fuse Diaphragms:
- Up to 50% lower cost than PTFE laminate diaphragms
- Up to 100% greater flow and suction lift than PTFE laminate diaphragms
- No leak points or wear for extended service life
- Increased dry vacuum capacity compared to traditional CIP diaphragms
- Wide temperature tolerance and high abrasion resistance
- 1935/2004/EC-compliant Saniflex™ (Hytrel®) food-grade material
Why do Food Processors Choose Wilden AODD Pump Technology?
Meeting stringent food-safety standards in food processing requires more than compliance. It demands operational excellence. Wilden Saniflo Hygienic Series and Saniflo FDA Series pumps provide that with:
- Full 1935/2004/EC compliance
- Superior product containment
- CIP/COP capabilities for hygienic maintenance
- Efficient handling of a wide range of food products
For processors committed to a safe, reliable, efficient and hygienic operation, the Saniflo HS and FDA Series equipped with Pure-Fuse diaphragms are the ideal pump solution.
Looking to learn more about how Wilden offers the design and operational advantages to meet stringent 1935/2004/EC standards for the hygienic food-processing industry? Read our white paper: Living Up to the Standards.
You can also contact your local distributor or click here to fill out our contact form.