LFGB Food Contact Test Report

The German LFGB (Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch, Food and Commodities Code) food contact material testing is a critical compliance requirement for products entering the German and EU markets. It is more stringent than the EU framework regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, particularly with the addition of sensory testing and specific migration testing for hazardous substances.

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

Main Test Items

LFGB testing is a comprehensive assessment that typically consists of three core components:

1. Sensory Testing

This is a distinctive item that sets LFGB apart from general EU food contact material testing.

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

    - Test Method: Trained professional sensory evaluators assess changes in the odor and taste of test simulants (such as water, ethanol, margarine, etc.) after the test material is exposed to these simulants under specific conditions (e.g., designated temperature and duration).

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

2. Overall Migration Testing

(1) Purpose: To determine the total amount of non-volatile substances migrating from the material into food.

(2) Test Method: Samples are 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)

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

6. Specific Migration Testing (for Hazardous Substances)

(1) Purpose: To quantitatively detect specific hazardous substances potentially present in the material (e.g., heavy metals, primary aromatic amines, formaldehyde, BISphenol A, phthalates, specific monomers, etc.) and ensure their migration levels are within safe limits.

(2) 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 are carcinogenic with extremely strict limits (typically < 0.01 mg/kg).

③　Formaldehyde: Commonly found in melamine resins (melaware) 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, peroxide residues for silicone, etc.).

3. Other Tests (as Required by Material Type)

①　Silicone Rubber: Peroxide residue testing.

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

③　Ceramics, Glass, Enamel: Lead and cadmium leaching testing.

④　Paper Products: Formaldehyde, fluorescent whitening agents, microbial content, etc.

⑤　Products with Printing or Coating: Testing for heavy metal content (lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium).

Important Notes

3. Terminology of "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 authorized laboratory. The "LFGB certification" commonly mentioned in the market refers to the process of passing the test and obtaining the report.

1. "Fork and Knife Mark": The fork and knife mark on a product is a conformity declaration symbol, 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.

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

1. Retesting for Material Changes: If there are changes to the product's material, formulation, production process, or supplier, partial or full retesting may be required.

Summary Table

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