FAQ

Food safety is a critical issue that affects everyone. While we enjoy delicious meals, few people realize that the safety of our dining tables is quietly safeguarded by seemingly unremarkable food contact materials. To ensure the safety of these materials, selecting a professional and reliable testing agency for food contact materials is of paramount importance. Below, the editor from Huabiao Testing discusses what LFGB testing entails and how to choose a trustworthy LFGB certification agency.

What is LFGB Testing?

LFGB certification covers a wide range of products and materials, including plastics, rubber, glass, ceramics, and more. Different certification agencies may have specialized expertise and extensive experience in specific areas. When selecting an agency, it is crucial to understand their certification experience and professional competence in the relevant field to ensure your product receives a professional and accurate evaluation. Additionally, confirm that the chosen certification agency is officially recognized and authorized. Consider your budget and time requirements to select a cost-effective agency, while remaining cautious and rational to avoid falling for false claims or misleading promotions from unreliable organizations.

What Does LFGB Testing Involve?

LFGB certification, a key standard for ensuring the safety of food contact materials in Germany, serves as a core component of the German food hygiene regulatory system and a reference benchmark for food contact material regulations across Europe. Its stringent testing requirements guarantee the safety and reliability of food contact materials, providing robust health protection for consumers.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive LFGB certification solutions. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.

Introduction

Food safety is paramount, and food contact materials play a critical role in ensuring safe dining experiences. LFGB certification verifies the safety of these materials for use in Germany and the EU. This guide outlines LFGB certification requirements for common materials and the testing process.

What is LFGB Certification?

LFGB (Lebensmittel-, Bedarfsgegenstände- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch) is a German regulation governing food contact materials, aligned with EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. LFGB testing ensures materials do not release harmful substances into food, protecting consumer health and enabling market access.

LFGB Certification Requirements for Common Materials

1. Plastics (PP, PE, PC, PET)

• Uses: Yogurt maker liners, straws, packaging bags, lids.

• Requirements:

• Primary Aromatic Amines (PAA): ≤0.01 mg/kg.

• Bisphenol A (BPA): ≤0.05 mg/kg.

• Phthalates (DEHP, DBP): ≤0.1%–1.5%.

• Sensory: No odor/taste migration.

• Overall Migration: ≤10 mg/dm² (simulants: 3% acetic acid, 10% ethanol, olive oil).

• Specific Migration:

• Prohibited: REACH SVHCs.

• Regulation: EU (EC) No 10/2011.

• Notes: Provide material composition. Test at high temperatures (70°C–100°C) for hot uses. Verify biodegradable plastics (e.g., PLA).

2. Silicone (Food-Grade)

• Uses: Yogurt maker seals, straws, packaging.

• Requirements:

• VOCs: ≤0.5%.

• Peroxide Residues: Fully decomposed.

• Organosilicon: No low-molecular-weight siloxanes.

• Sensory: No odor/taste migration.

• Overall Migration: ≤10 mg/dm².

• Specific Migration:

• Prohibited: REACH substances.

• Notes: Use platinum-cured silicone. Specify vulcanization and additives. Test under actual conditions.

3. Stainless Steel (304, 316)

• Uses: Yogurt maker liners, straws.

• Requirements:

• Lead (Pb): ≤0.01 mg/kg.

• Cadmium (Cd): ≤0.005 mg/kg.

• Nickel (Ni): ≤0.14 mg/kg.

• Sensory: No odor/taste impact.

• Overall Migration: ≤10 mg/dm².

• Specific Migration:

• Regulation: EU (EC) No 1935/2004, DIN 51032.

• Notes: Use food-grade steel. Test post-polishing/welding. Use acidic simulants for acidic foods.

4. Glass

• Uses: Yogurt maker containers, straws.

• Requirements:

• Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd): ≤0.01 mg/L.

• Sensory: No odor/taste impact.

• Overall Migration: ≤10 mg/dm².

• Specific Migration:

• Regulation: EU (EC) No 1935/2004, DIN 51032.

• Notes: Test decorative glass for heavy metals. Verify thermal stability for heat-resistant glass.

5. Ceramics

• Uses: Yogurt maker liners, containers.

• Requirements:

• Lead (Pb): ≤0.8 mg/dm² (flat), ≤0.2 mg/L (containers).

• Cadmium (Cd): ≤0.07 mg/dm² (flat), ≤0.02 mg/L (containers).

• Sensory: No odor/taste impact.

• Specific Migration:

• Regulation: EU 84/500/EEC.

• Notes: Test colored glazes. Use acidic simulants and high temperatures.

6. Paper/Cardboard

• Uses: Straws, packaging bags.

• Requirements:

• Fluorescent Whitening Agents: Not detected.

• PAA: ≤0.01 mg/kg.

• PCBs: ≤2 mg/kg.

• Sensory: No odor/taste migration.

• Overall Migration: ≤10 mg/dm².

• Specific Migration:

• Regulation: EU (EC) No 1935/2004, BfR XXXVI.

• Notes: Use food-grade paper. Test coatings/inks. Verify water resistance for wet use.

7. Biodegradable Materials (PLA, Bamboo Fiber)

• Uses: Straws, packaging bags.

• Requirements:

• Monomer Residues (e.g., lactic acid): ≤0.05 mg/kg.

• Heavy Metals, Plasticizers: Meet limits.

• Biodegradability: EN 13432 or ASTM D6400.

• Sensory: No odor/taste migration.

• Overall Migration: ≤10 mg/dm².

• Specific Migration:

• Notes: Provide formulation details. Test stability under actual conditions.

8. General Requirements

• Testing Conditions: Simulants (3% acetic acid, 10%–50% ethanol, olive oil) and temperatures (40°C–100°C) based on use.

• Prohibited Substances: REACH SVHCs, RoHS restrictions.

• Mark: Compliant materials may use the LFGB “knife and fork” symbol.

How to Conduct LFGB Testing

1. Consult: Contact an accredited lab (e.g., Huabiao Testing) with product details.

2. Submit Samples: Provide 2–3 samples with material and process documentation.

3. Testing: Conduct migration, sensory, and composition tests per EU (EC) No 1935/2004 and material-specific standards.

4. Report: Receive a compliance report for regulatory or buyer use.

Why Choose Huabiao Testing?

Huabiao（GIG） Testing offers comprehensive LFGB certification 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.