LFGB Certification for Food Contact Materials in Germany

What is LFGB Certification?

LFGB (Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch) is the abbreviation for the German "Food, Commodities and Feed Act," and it is one of the strictest safety regulations for food contact materials in the EU. This regulation sets the safety standards for all products that come into contact with food (such as tableware, cookware, packaging materials, etc.), ensuring they do not release harmful substances that could contaminate food, thereby protecting consumer health.

Key Points:

- Scope of Application:All materials and products that come into contact with food (plastic, silicone, metal, ceramics, coatings, etc.).

- Legal Force:Mandatory requirement in the German market. Products not complying with LFGB will be prohibited from sale.

- Certification Mark:Products that pass testing may be labeled as "LFGB compliant" or "LFGB approved."

Which Products Require lfgb certification?

1. Kitchenware

- Tableware (knives, forks, chopsticks, spoons)

- Cookware (non-stick pans, stainless steel pots)

- Baking molds

- Cutting boards, kitchen tools

2. Food Packaging

- Food storage containers

- Plastic packaging bags

- Beverage bottles, cups

- Straws, bottle caps

3. Small Appliances

- Coffee machines, juicers

- Rice cooker inner pots

- Food processor blade assemblies

- Kettle inner liners

4. Other Contact Materials

- Food-grade silicone products

- Paper packaging

- Can interior coatings

- Ice trays, ice molds

Key Items Tested in LFGB Certification

1. Sensory Testing (Organoleptic Migration)

Checks if the product alters the taste, smell, or color of food.

Special requirement:No abnormal odor or discoloration after testing.

2. Heavy Metal Migration Testing

Measures the release of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury.

Different materials have specific limits (e.g., strict limits on lead and cadmium migration for ceramic products).

3. Overall Migration Testing

Determines the total amount of all substances that can migrate from the material.

Simulates different food environments (water, acid, alcohol, oil).

4. Specific Substance testing

- Primary Aromatic Amines (PAA):Common in colored plastic products

- Bisphenol A (BPA):High-risk substance in plastics

- Formaldehyde:Especially monitored in melamine resin products

- Nitrosamines:Key test for rubber products

5. Specialized Tests for Plastic Products

- Phthalates (plasticizers) content

- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) testing

- Peroxide residues (for silicone products)

6. Microbiological Testing (for applicable products)

Checks surface microbial levels.

Particularly important for infant products and reusable products.

LFGB Certification Process

1. Product Classification & Evaluation

Identify material type and applicable testing standards.

Develop a tailored testing plan.

2. Sample Preparation & Testing

Provide representative samples.

Laboratory conducts full compliance testing.

3. Test Report Review

Professional engineers assess test data.

Ensure all parameters meet limit requirements.

4. Issuance of Compliance certificate

Provide English/German test reports.

Option to apply for LFGB compliance declaration.

5. Market Surveillance Preparation

Guide correct labeling of certification information.

Prepare for potential market spot checks.

LFGB certification is a crucial step for food contact products entering the German and EU high-end markets. Preparing for compliance in advance not only helps avoid market risks but also enhances product competitiveness.

China JJR Laboratory can assist you in obtaining LFGB certification quickly, enabling a smooth entry into the European market!