🔍 New Listeria requirements taking effect in 2026 make hygienic design more important than ever

From July 1, 2026, the requirements for controlling Listeria in ready-to-eat foods will become more stringent. Going forward, food manufacturers must be able to demonstrate that Listeria will not grow throughout the product’s shelf life—not just that it is absent when the product leaves the factory.

This places even greater demands on hygienic design and equipment used in food production.

This is where our CS-Connector makes a significant difference.

Many of the solutions available on the market today are designed with four grooves around the gasket that do not drain completely. After cleaning, water, cleaning agents and product residues can remain trapped around the connector, posing a risk of bacterial growth in general—and Listeria in particular —which thrives in a moist environment.

💡 The CS-Connector is designed differently

The integrated drain hole directs water away from the top of the connector while also acting as a leak indicator if the gasket is not sealing properly.

Key benefits: ⭐

✅ No standing water around the connector after cleaning
✅ Effective drainage of water and cleaning residues
✅ Easier to clean and inspect
✅ Reduced risk of bacterial growth in damp areas
✅ Additional safety through continuous leak detection

When tanks and process equipment are rinsed on the outside, the water runs off instead of pooling around the connector. It’s a small detail in the design—but a major advantage when food safety must be of the highest standard.

As requirements for documented hygiene and risk management become stricter, it is becoming increasingly important to eliminate potential bacterial hotspots as early as the design phase.

Good hygiene starts with good design.

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