Silicone products undergoing LFGB testing: What items need to be tested?
In the modern catering industry and household life, food contact materials, as utensils that come into direct contact with food, have material safety that directly impacts consumer health. According to international food safety standards, all materials that may come into contact with food must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they do not migrate harmful substances into the food. Professional testing can evaluate the chemical stability of utensils like knives and forks under various usage conditions (such as high temperatures or acidic environments), preventing hazardous components like heavy metals and plasticizers from leaching into food. Today, the Huabiao Testing team will share with you the items that need to be tested for silicone products undergoing LFGB testing.
Why do silicone products need LFGB testing?
LFGB is a German regulation for food contact materials, officially known as Lebensmittel-und Bedarfsgegenständegesetz (Food, Tobacco Products, and Other Commodities Act). This regulation specifies the safety requirements that food contact materials must meet to ensure they do not pose health risks. In Germany and other European countries, food contact materials must pass LFGB testing before they can be sold in the market. Therefore, to comply with regulatory requirements, silicone products must undergo LFGB testing.
What items need to be tested for LFGB?
Sensory Testing and Overall Migration Testing
Sensory testing evaluates whether silicone products adversely affect the sensory properties of food (such as taste or odor) under normal usage conditions. Overall migration testing detects the total amount of substances that may migrate from silicone products into food during contact, ensuring these migrated substances do not harm human health.
Lead and Cadmium Content Testing
Heavy metals like lead and cadmium are harmful to human health, so LFGB testing imposes strict limits on their content in silicone products. Testing ensures that the levels of these heavy metals are well below safety thresholds.
Color Migration Testing
This test checks whether the color of silicone products may fade or migrate when in contact with food. This is crucial for maintaining the original appearance of food and preventing contamination.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Content and Migration Testing
PAHs are potential carcinogens, so LFGB testing strictly limits their content in silicone products. Testing ensures that PAH levels are far below safety limits, safeguarding consumer health.
Peroxide Value Testing and Organotin Compound Testing
The peroxide value reflects the degree of oxidation in silicone products. Excessive peroxide values may degrade product performance or even pose health risks. Organotin compounds are substances that may harm human health and the environment. These tests ensure that peroxide values and organotin compound levels remain within safe ranges.
Total Volatile Organic Compounds (VOM) Testing
VOM testing detects the total amount of volatile organic compounds that may be released from silicone products during food contact. These compounds can affect the taste and odor of food and may even pose potential health risks. Testing ensures that VOM levels remain within safe limits.
Huabiao Testing boasts an experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, providing comprehensive LFGB food-grade testing solutions. Accredited by CMA/CNAS, our testing data is accurate and reliable, with reports recognized internationally. We help clients manage risks and meet market requirements, ensuring your products thrive globally.
