LFGB Food Contact Material Testing for Silicone Kitchenware

German LFGB food contact material testing specifies the migration safety certification requirements for silicone kitchenware (e.g., spatulas), covering regulatory frameworks, testing contents, application procedures, and precautions:

Overview of LFGB Regulations

Full Name: Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch (German Food and Feed Code)

Scope of Application: All food contact materials (FCM), including plastics, silicone, metals, coatings, etc.

Objective: Ensure that materials do not migrate harmful substances into food during use, posing no health risks to consumers.

Legal Basis:

①　LFGB : Food contact materials shall not release substances harmful to human health.

②　Guidance from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR): BfR Recommendation XXI for silicone materials.

③　EU 1935/2004/EC: General framework regulation for food contact materials.

④　German LFGB Testing primarily verifies the migration safety of food contact materials under normal usage conditions.

Key Safety Concerns for Silicone Kitchenware

Silicone kitchenware such as spatulas may involve the following risks:

①　Migration of small-molecule organic substances: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), low-molecular-weight silicides, which may affect food flavor or pose health risks.

②　Heavy metal migration: Lead, cadmium, tin, etc., with special attention required for colored silicone products.

③　High-temperature resistance of food contact surfaces: Spatulas directly contact high-temperature oil or water, requiring verification of material stability when used at temperatures above 200°C.

④　Residual additives: Migration risks of fillers, colorants, flame retardants, etc.

LFGB Testing Contents

3.1 Simulated Food Migration Testing (Overall & Specific Migration)

• Overall Migration (OM) Testing

Measures the total amount of substances released from materials into food simulants.

Common food simulants:

①　Water

②　3% Acetic acid

③　10% Ethanol

④　95% Ethanol (for simulating fatty foods)

• Specific Migration (SM) Testing

Targets specific substances, such as:

①　Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Sn, etc.)

②　Monomers, plasticizers, low-molecular-weight silicides

LFGB  emphasizes that the migration of any substance shall not exceed the safety limit.

3.2 Supplementary Testing

①　High-temperature resistance testing (simulating frying, boiling, baking environments).

②　Mechanical/chemical stability (oil resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance).

③　Sensory testing: Migrated substances shall not alter the taste or odor of food.

Testing and Certification Process

Select a German-accredited Laboratory

The laboratory must hold qualifications for LFGB  food contact material testing.

Typical Institution: JJR LAB

Submit Samples and Documentation

①　Provide physical samples of the product (silicone spatulas).

②　Submit material specifications, production processes, service temperature, color, and additive information.

③　Provide descriptions of simulated food usage conditions (temperature, contact time).

Conduct Simulated Migration Testing

Perform overall migration and specific migration testing in accordance with German LFGB methods.

Special attention shall be paid to high-temperature or oily food simulants.

Generate Test Report

The report includes:

①　Testing methods (LFGB  / BfR XXI / DIN EN 1186 series)

②　Comparison of test results against limit values

③　Conclusion: Compliance with LFGB food safety requirements

Issue LFGB Compliance Statement (Certificate / Test Report)

LFGB Test Reports can be used for:

①　Sales in the German market

②　Filing in other EU countries

③　Building consumer and retailer confidence

Value of lfgb certification for Silicone Kitchenware

1. Ensure Migration Safety

Protect consumer health and avoid intake of harmful substances.

2. Enhance market Recognition

German retailers and e-commerce platforms generally require LFGB or BfR reports.

Products can be labeled with “LFGB tested” or “BfR compliant”.

3. Comply with EU-wide Regulations

LFGB test reports are often used as proof of compliance with EU 1935/2004/EC.

4. Reduce Export Risks

Prevent product returns, delisting, or fines caused by excessive migration of substances.

Precautions

①　Select food simulants and test temperatures based on actual product usage conditions.

②　Pay extra attention to heavy metal migration in colored silicone, printed, or coated products.

③　LFGB testing is a Germany-specific requirement, but it can be combined with EU 1935/2004/EC testing to avoid duplication.

Summary

①　LFGB testing is an important basis for the food contact safety of silicone kitchenware.

②　Core focus areas: Overall Migration (OM), Specific Migration (SM), high-temperature resistance, and chemical stability.

③　Passing the test allows the issuance of an LFGB test report, which boosts consumer confidence and supports product sales in the German and EU markets.

④　Certification process: Sample submission → Simulated migration testing → Report analysis → Issuance of LFGB compliance report