Why Bearing Reliability Matters in Food and Beverage Production

Why Bearing Reliability Matters in Food and Beverage Production

In the food and beverage industry, equipment reliability isn’t just important—it’s critical. Downtime due to mechanical failure can halt production, lead to expensive repairs, and compromise product safety. That’s why every component, especially bearings, must be held to the highest standards.

Here’s why it matters

Bearings in food processing environments face some of the harshest conditions imaginable. They’re expected to perform under a wide range of temperatures—from sub-zero storage areas to high-heat cooking zones. On top of that, they’re regularly exposed to moisture, steam, and chemical cleaners used during high-pressure washdowns. These washdowns, essential for hygiene, often involve hot, aggressive cleaning agents applied under force, which can compromise the grease inside the bearings if they’re not properly sealed.

Contamination is a constant risk—not just from the products being processed, but also from the cleaning agents themselves. To meet hygiene requirements, bearings must often be food-grade certified, resistant to corrosion, and designed to prevent ingress of water and debris.