The Difference Between FDA & LFGB Certified Silicone Products

A food contact test is a test related to a container or product that will have contact with food. The main purpose of the test is to see if there is any harmful substance released to the food and if there is any impact on the taste. The tests involve soaking the container with different types of liquid for a period of time and temperature tests.

  

For silicone products, there are mainly two standards, one is LFGB food grade, another is FDA food grade. Silicone products that pass either one of these tests are safe for human use. In terms of pricing, products in LFGB silicone rubber's standard will be more expensive than FDA's standard, so FDA is more widely used. This is because LFGB method of testing is more comprehensive and strict.

  

Different countries have different standards that silicone rubber products must meet to be deemed safe for human when in contact with food.

  

Silicone is a synthetic rubber which contains bonded silicon (a natural element which is very abundant in sand and rock) and oxygen. Cookware made from food grade silicone has become popular in recent years because it is colorful, nonstick, stain-resistant, hard-wearing, cools quickly, and tolerates extremes of temperature. There are unknown health hazards associated with use of silicone cookware. Silicone rubber does not react with food or beverages, or produce any hazardous fumes.

  

“The LFBG”is sometimes thought to be the European equivalent of the FDA. This is not quite correct. LFGB is the German enactment of European law as operated . The food-contact materials maybe be made from LFGB HTV silicone rubber are some of the more comprehensive in the“EU” Reference.

  

A non-profit trade representing all major producers of silicone in Europe who over 35 years, have carried out scientific research dedicated to assess the safety of silicone relative to workers, consumers, the environment and manufacturing processes. They have found even though both FDA & LFGB approved silicone is considered food safe, silicone that has passed LFGB testing is definitely a better quality silicone resulting in greater durability and less foul silicone odour and taste.

  

Manufacturers will use different quality silicone material depending on their customer’s requirements i.e. whether they require FDA or LFGB approved silicone which will depend on where the customer plans to sell their silicone.