Guide to Food Contact Material Testing for Cutlery and How to Conduct It

Introduction

Cutlery, such as knives and forks, directly contacts food, making material safety critical for consumer health. International food safety standards require rigorous testing to prevent harmful substance migration. This guide outlines the testing requirements for food contact materials in cutlery and the process to conduct such tests.

Testing Requirements for Cutlery Food Contact Materials

Testing ensures cutlery (e.g., stainless steel, plastic-handled, or coated) is safe under various conditions. Key components include:

1. Physical Performance Testing

• Abrasion Resistance:

• Uses Taber Abrasion Tester to simulate wear.

• Ensures coatings remain intact, preventing exposure of unsafe materials.

• Temperature Resistance:

• Tests at -20°C to 120°C to confirm structural stability.

• Verifies no cracking or substance release in hot/cold conditions.

• Edge Sharpness:

• Measures blade angle with laser goniometers.

• Ensures safety and functionality.

2. Chemical Migration Testing

• Overall Migration:

• Simulants (EU No 10/2011): 3% acetic acid (acidic), 10%–50% ethanol (alcoholic), olive oil (fatty).

• Conditions: 40°C for 10 days or 70°C for 2 hours.

• Limit: ≤10 mg/dm².

• Specific Migration:

• Heavy Metals (ICP-MS): Lead ≤0.01 mg/kg, Nickel ≤0.14 mg/kg.

• Formaldehyde (Spectrophotometry): ≤0.1 mg/kg.

• Primary Aromatic Amines (GC-MS): ≤0.01 mg/kg.

3. Residual Substance Analysis

• Solvent Residues: Headspace GC-MS for VOCs.

• Disinfectant Residues: Quantifies sodium hypochlorite.

4. Microbial Testing

• Total Bacterial Count: Per GB 4789.2 or ISO 4833-1.

• Mold/Yeast: Selective media cultivation.

• Pathogens: Screens for Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus.

Regulations

• EU: (EC) No 1935/2004, (EU) No 10/2011, (EC) No 2023/2006.

• Germany: LFGB Sections 30/31, DIN 51032.

• Standards: EN 1186, ISO 8442-2.

How to Conduct Food Contact Material Testing

Huabiao Testing offers a “5-Day Express Certification” service:

1. Day 1: Receive 2–3 samples; confirm testing scope.

2. Days 2–3: Conduct physical, chemical, and microbial tests.

3. Day 4: Validate results; retest anomalies.

4. Day 5: Issue accredited report.

Why Choose Huabiao（GIG） Testing?

Huabiao（GIG） Testing provides comprehensive testing solutions with an experienced team and advanced equipment. Accredited with CMA/CNAS, our reliable data and internationally recognized reports help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and succeed globally.