Is stainless steel food-grade?

Yes, stainless steel is excellent for food contact, provided you choose the right grade and process it correctly.

Not all stainless steel is automatically food-grade. The most commonly used types are:

✅ Stainless Steel 304(L) (1.4301 or 1.4307)

  • Often used for tables, trolleys, worktops

  • Good resistance to acids and moisture

  • Food-grade, but less resistant to aggressive cleaning agents or salt

  • The customer determines the material grade; our experience shows that 95% or more in the food industry uses 304(L)

✅ Stainless Steel 316L (1.4404)

  • Contains molybdenum: better corrosion resistance (e.g. in wet or salty environments)

  • Standard for critical zones in the food industry

  • Highly recommended for intensive cleaning or contact with acids/salts

🔻 Not suitable: Stainless Steel 201, 430, etc.

  • Lower quality, often magnetic

  • Not corrosion-resistant enough for food contact

  • Not recommended for food applications

Important:
Even the right type of stainless steel is only truly “food-grade” if it’s properly finished:

  • No crevices or sharp corners

  • Smooth surface

  • No contamination risks at welds or fixings