True sanitary or hygienic pumps are a step above FDA-compliant pumps. While FDA-compliant pumps are often used for food and beverage processing, true sanitary pumps are typically used in cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceutical applications. They are also commonly used in the dairy industry.
This is why true sanitary pumps are commonly certificated to a high-level specification such as 3A or EHENDGE.
Even though FDA-compliant and sanitary pumps look similar, there are technical differences. Namely, in their design features such as surface finish and drainability.
Remember, a true sanitary pump qualifies as FDA-compliant, but an FDA-compliant pump is not considered sanitary.