Clean Drainage, Clean Food: The Role of Sanitary Drainage in Food Processing
In the food processing industry, hygiene isn’t optional—it’s law. Every detail of facility design, from floor surfaces to airflow, must support a sanitary environment. One of the most overlooked yet critical components of a safe food production facility is a sanitary drainage system—specifically, stainless steel trench drains.
Why Drainage Matters in Food Processing
From meatpacking plants to commercial bakeries, food processing facilities constantly combat moisture, organic waste, and chemical runoff. Without efficient drainage, these fluids can accumulate, leading to:
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Bacterial growth and cross-contamination
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Slippery floors and workplace injuries
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Violation of USDA, FDA, and NSF standards
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Costly downtime for cleaning and remediation
A well-designed drainage system isn’t just a convenience—it’s a compliance essential.
SS500
The SS500 Series™ is exclusively available through
Trench Drain Systems. This shallow neutral stainless steel drainage system is specifically designed for small commercial markets.
SS600
The sanitary stainless drainage system, SS600 Series™, comes standard with a built-in 1.0% slope. These hygienic channels are capable of redirecting up to 470 GPM (gallons per minute) of liquid runoff.
SS1200
Designed to maximize flow, the SS1200 Series™ has a 12.5″ inner channel width and is an ideal high-capacity food-safe drainage system due to its assistance in creating a sterile environment required by food safety regulations.
The SS500, SS600, and SS1200 Series™ offer bottom outlets and end outlets every fifth channel. To reach your run length, choose a channel with an outlet, then add channels upstream to the run length required for your project. Our online store provides prebuilt stainless steel drainage kits for easier planning.
The Stainless Steel Solution
Stainless steel trench drains are the gold standard for food and beverage processing facilities. Unlike traditional cast iron or plastic systems, stainless steel offers:
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Corrosion Resistance: Withstands harsh cleaning chemicals, high-temperature liquid, and acidic food waste
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Smooth Surface Finish: Prevents biofilm buildup and supports CIP (Clean-in-Place) protocols
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Sanitary Design: Fully welded joints, rounded corners, and sloped interiors ensure efficient flow and easy cleaning
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Durability: Withstands high foot traffic, cart loads, and thermal shock without cracking or degrading
Where Stainless Drains Make a Difference
Sanitary drainage systems are ideal for a range of locations:
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Washdown Zones: Where high-pressure hoses and steam are used for sanitation
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Production Lines: To capture spills from meats, dairy, sauces, and other ingredients
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Cold Storage & Freezers: Resistant to thermal expansion and contraction
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Packaging Rooms: Keeps final-product areas dry and safe from cross-contamination
Sanitary Drain Standards & Compliance
Food and beverage drainage systems must meet rigorous sanitary standards, including, but not limited to:
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NSF/ANSI 3-A 14159-1: Design criteria for equipment used in meat and poultry processing
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FDA CFR 21: Material safety and cleanability requirements
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USDA Guidelines: Drain systems must not harbor bacteria or cause standing water
The SS Series™ sanitary steel drain systems help to meet these standards and offer long-term protection for your facility and your brand. Be sure to review the appropriate regulations for your specific project to ensure compliance.
Depending on your project needs, there are several ways to enhance the SS Series™ stainless drain channels. These exclusive systems offer tees, 90° elbows, neutral channels, bottom outlets, and 24” half channels to aid in the design of your drainage system. Custom sections and drains are available upon request.
Customize for Performance
Trench Drain Systems offers custom stainless steel trench drains to match your floor layout, load requirements, and hygiene standards. Our in-house
engineering staff can provide expert consultation, guidance, and layout drawings that include…
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Variable channel widths and depths
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Slip-resistant grating styles
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Heel-proof and ADA-compliant covers
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Removable sediment baskets and catch basins
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Hygienic slot drain options for low-volume applications
In food processing, drainage isn’t just about removing water—it’s about protecting product integrity, ensuring worker safety, and maintaining compliance. SS Series™ stainless steel trench drains provide a sanitary, durable, and easy-to-clean solution that food plants need to thrive. For areas that do not need a stainless sanitary solution, such as warehouse floors and parking lots, there are other, more cost-efficient options.
The experts at Trench Drain Systems can help you find the right drains to fit your plan and budget. Contact us for a free quote or for further information on drainage solutions visit TrenchDrain.com or DrainageKits.com
Phone: 610-882-3630
Email: Shop@TrenchDrain.com
Click here for a fast and free quote!
