When pumps are used for food processing, chemucal and pharmaceutical industries, the pump has to meet up to some requirements. These requirements are based upon hygienic and sterile prespective. Their shape and construction is distinctive from other pumps. The materials used for this pump are usually stainless steel with O-ring gaskets.The surface of both the interior and exterior side has to be smooth and polished. The pump should be easy to disassembke and re-assemble quickly, for cleaning and washing. To make sure the pump can meet up to all those requirements the components has to be designed for this purpose. To simplify external cleaning, the electric motor is encased in polished stainless steel casing.

Since the pump has to meet up some hygiene requirements, the pump may not have oil lubricated shaft bearings. Centrifugal pump for food-processing are normally available up to 30 kW. The traditional hygienic pumps have been used in the food processing industry. The new standard also includes foor products for animals. The biotechnology industry is a relatively new user for the hygienic pumps. The industry deals with the risk to personnel and the environment due to the emission of micro-organisms from assembled working pumps. Biohazard is defined as "danger or harm associated with a biological agent able to cause infection, allergy or toxicity in animals, humans, plants or the environment".