Perhaps the single most important focus in the food and beverage industry is ensuring products are created, packaged and consumed in the safest way possible. Automation equipment that handles these products plays an integral role in the overall quality of the material being processed. However, the introduction of unwanted materials into food and beverages is an inevitable, captured part of the production process. For example, as a product is processed through handling equipment, it can move through a series
of pumps, motors, valves, sensors and fittings, where lubricants such as O-ring grease can come into direct contact with it. FDA has clear guidelines on contaminants, which, at acceptable levels, are known to not cause harm.

Ensuring a product is free of harmful bacteria is also a primary concern for any food or beverage manufacturer. For instance, E. coli and Salmonella are naturally occurring bacteria that are present in and around many food and beverage products. Both can be introduced into automation equipment when the food or beverage material is in direct contact with the processing components. However, newer automated system designs that employ prepacked, sterilized, FDA-approved tubing or membrane bags can offer a new alternative for potentially reducing bacterial contamination. In this case, possible contamination is further reduced by using a pinch valve that interacts with the tubing and never touches the beverage or food media being processed.