Q: What's the difference between EHEDG certified and plain old vanilla EHEDG?
A: The EHEDG-Certified mark says that pumping equipment verifiably cleans as well as a straight piece of pipe. A testing regime exists to make sure the equipment actually performs. Some competitive designs claim they meet EHEDG standards but don't carry the certified mark.

Q: Why should I care?
A: Ultimately it's a question of your comfort level. We respectfully suggest that the trend since the industrial revolution is for increasing safety standards particularly in the water and food supply. Events like the Mad Cow disease outbreaks in Britain, Canada, and the US are only going to increase scrutiny - and rightfully so - on our food supply. All things being equal, using equipment that has some sort of a verification of its cleanability - we feel - is preferable to using equipment that doesn't.

Q: How can I tell if it's EHEDG Certified or not?
A: Simple. Look for this logo. Ask for documentation with a raised seal.


Q: What is the certification process?
A: The certification process is quite simple. A control or “reference pipe” and the pumping equipment in question are both exposed to a process fluid with biological contaminants, and are worked into all the fluid contact areas. Next, the reference pipe and pump are cleaned with an appropriate “Clean in place” procedure and dried. Agar media containing nutrients, sugar, and a pH indicator is then poured and solidified in all working surfaces. After an incubation period, both reference pipe and pump are examined for color changes in the pH indicator that demonstrate bacterial activity. Only pumps that show equal or lesser degrees of biological activity than the reference pipe pass the test.
What is important to stress is that outside organizations are doing the testing, which generally mean more open protocols and presumably greater confidence in their results.

Q: Who is EHEDG anyway?
A: The European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) seeks to increase awareness about food hygiene, help in the prevention of food safety problems, and sustain the image of the food industry among consumers. The organization consists of manufacturers, engineering firms, scientific and research organizations as well as health organizations.

Q: Is EHEDG an artificial trade barrier in the guise of a safety regulation?
A: We respectfully submit that EHEDG certified mark is a reasonable and evolutionary regulatory improvement that American food and pharmaceutical manufacturers in particular should be looking for. If for no other reason, the required independent testing makes good common sense.

Q: How do I know a product cleans effectively?
A: Because it's been proven by someone outside of the manufacturer.

Q: Is BPH Pump's EHEDG-Certified Equipment going to drive up my costs?
A: We don't believe so. One of the reasons we're so proud to represent ITT Jabsco pumps is that we're able to offer a superior pump at a similar initial investment and lower total cost of ownership than what you might be used to. No pump line does everything perfectly, but if you need a pump that cleans well (and can prove it), a pump that's easy to maintain, and a pump is probably going to drive your costs down, we think we've got a winner for you. Call us at 888-289-8787 and let's talk.