How to get LFGB Compliance Report for Food Grade Products

The LFGB (Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch) food contact material test in Germany is a crucial compliance requirement for products entering the German and EU markets. It is more stringent than the EU framework regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, with the addition of sensory testing and specific substance migration testing in particular.

Below is a detailed explanation of the main test items and standard procedures for the LFGB test:

Main Test Items

The LFGB test is a comprehensive assessment that typically consists of the following three core parts:

1. Sensory Testing

This is a signature item that distinguishes the LFGB from general EU food contact tests.

Purpose: To ensure that the material does not transfer any odour or taste to food, thereby preserving the natural characteristics of the food.

Testing Method: Trained professional sensory assessors evaluate changes in the odour and taste of test media after the test material is exposed to the media (e.g., water, alcohol, margarine and other simulants) under specific conditions (e.g., set temperature and time).

Requirement: No undesirable odour or taste shall be imparted to the food.

2. Overall Migration Testing

Purpose: To detect the total amount of non-volatile substances migrating from the material into food.

Testing Method: The sample is immersed in specified food simulants to simulate actual usage conditions (e.g., time and temperature). Commonly used simulants include:

①　Simulant A: 10% Ethanol (for aqueous and acidic foods)

②　Simulant B: 3% Acetic acid (for acidic foods)

③　Simulant C: 50% Ethanol (for dairy products and alcoholic foods)

④　Simulant D1: Vegetable oil or its substitute (for fatty foods)

Requirement: The total migration limit shall not exceed 10 mg/dm² or 60 mg/kg (food).

3. Specific Substance Migration Testing (Migration of Hazardous Substances)

Purpose: To conduct quantitative detection of specific hazardous substances that may be contained in the material (e.g., heavy metals, primary aromatic amines, formaldehyde, BISphenol A, phthalates, specific monomers, etc.) to ensure their migration levels are within safe limits.

Common Test Items:

①　Heavy metal migration: Especially lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, etc.

②　Primary aromatic amines (PAA): Derived from certain azo dyes or polyurethane adhesives, many of which have carcinogenic risks with extremely strict limits (usually < 0.01 mg/kg).

③　Formaldehyde: Commonly found in melamine resins and melamine products.

④　Monomer migration: Such as styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride in plastics, etc.

⑤　Other restricted substances: Determined by material type (e.g., nickel release for metal tableware, peroxides for silicone, etc.).

4. Other Potential Tests (Based on Material Type)

①　Silicone rubber: Peroxide residue testing.

②　Metals/alloys: Heavy metal leaching (e.g., nickel, chromium, iron, manganese, aluminium, etc.).

③　Ceramics, glass, enamel: Lead and cadmium leaching testing.

④　Paper products: Formaldehyde, fluorescent brighteners, microbial content, etc.

⑤　Products with printing or coating: Heavy metal (lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium) content testing.

Important Notes

The Term "lfgb certification"

Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as an "LFGB certification certificate". The term generally refers to a qualified LFGB Test Report issued by an authoritative laboratory. The "LFGB certification" commonly mentioned in the market refers to the process of passing the test and obtaining the report.

The "Fork and Knife Mark"

The fork and knife mark on products is a conformity declaration mark, indicating that the manufacturer declares the product complies with food contact material regulations. Sufficient test evidence (e.g., an LFGB report) must be available to support the use of this mark before application.

Responsible Party

The ultimate responsibility for ensuring product compliance with the LFGB lies with the importer or distributor who places the product on the German/EU market. They must be able to provide the conformity declaration and test report upon request.

Retesting Required for Material Changes

If there are changes to the product's material, formula, production process or supplier, partial or full retesting may be required.

Summary Table

It is recommended to fully communicate with JJR LAB, a professional testing institution, and provide detailed product information before conducting the LFGB test to ensure the test plan is accurate, efficient and cost-effective.