What is LFGB Certification Meaning

What is German LMBG Certification?

LMBG (Lebensmittel- und Bedarfsgegenstände-Gesetz) is the abbreviation for the German Food and Commodities Act. It is also known as the Act on Food, Tobacco Products, Cosmetics and Other Commodities. In September 2005, the new German Food and Feed Code (LFGB) replaced the Food and Commodities Act (LMBG), and was later renamed Lebensmittel-, Bedarfsgegenstände- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch (LFGB). It is the most important fundamental legal document in German food hygiene management, serving as the guideline and core for formulating other specialized food hygiene laws and regulations.

The regulation sets general and fundamental provisions for all aspects of German food. All food on the German market and all daily commodities related to food must comply with its basic provisions. Daily commodities that come into contact with food, upon passing the tests and complying with the German Food and Commodities Act, can obtain an LMBG/LFGB Test Report issued by an authorized institution certifying them as "products containing no chemical toxic substances," allowing them to be sold in the German market.

The Meaning of the LFGB Logo

The knife and fork logo is a food safety symbol. On daily commodities that come into contact with food, the presence of the knife and fork logo indicates that the product has passed inspections compliant with numerous German and European standards and meets the requirements of German LFGB regulations. It proves that the product does not contain toxic substances harmful to the human body and can be sold in Germany as well as other European and American markets.

In the European market, products bearing the knife and fork logo can enhance customers' confidence and desire to purchase. It serves as a powerful marketing tool that greatly increases the competitiveness of products in the market.

lfgb certification Product Scope

The lfgb testing scope covers materials that come into contact with food. Therefore, there is no fixed product list; as long as a material has direct contact or potential contact with food, it must meet LFGB testing requirements.

Common Materials for LFGB Food Contact Materials

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), metal, rubber, wood products, styrene polymers, nylon, Teflon coatings, ceramics, glass, enamel, general plastics, etc.

Common Products for Food Contact Material Testing

• Tableware: Bowls, cups, knives and forks, spoons, pots/kettles, plates, dishes, chopsticks, trays, napkins, straws, etc.

• Kitchenware: Knives, pots/pans, spatulas, basins, peelers, barbecue grills/forks, etc.

• Kitchen Appliances: Juicers, soymilk makers, coffee machines, electric kettles, ovens, microwave ovens, rice cookers, disinfection cabinets, dishwashers, blenders, toasters, range hoods, gas stoves, induction cookers, etc.

• Food Packaging Materials: Cling film, fresh-keeping bags, food storage containers, storage jars, spice bottles, sealed jars, tablecloths, paper, etc.

• Children's Products: Baby bottles, pacifiers/nipples, teethers, insulated cups, bottle warmers, complementary food preparation tools, etc.

All other products that have direct contact or potential contact with food fall within the scope of LFGB testing.

LFGB Certification Product Testing Items

Taking the testing of synthetic materials in contact with food as an example, a brief explanation is provided below.

Manufacturers of various raw materials should provide supporting documentation proving compliance with tests in accordance with EU or national directives and regulations, and effectively use these documents to assist in the manufacturing of final products. Under the condition of random sample inspection, Articles 30 and 31 of the German LFGB (Food and Commodities Act) include the following testing items:

1.Confirmation of raw materials and manufacturing processes

2.Sensory testing: Changes in taste and odor

3.Plastics: Overall migration rate / Specific migration of substances / Heavy metal content

4.Silicone materials: Extractable migration / Volatile organic compounds (VOC) content

5.Metal materials: Composition confirmation / Extractable release of heavy metals

6.Special requirements for other materials: Inspection of chemical hazards in accordance with the German Chemicals Act

Application Process for an LFGB Certification Test Report

1.The seller provides application sample information to the testing institution.

2.The testing institution evaluates the sample, assesses the testing standards and testing items, and provides a quotation.

3.Upon acceptance, the seller provides the samples for testing.

4.The testing institution conducts tests in accordance with the testing standards and issues the LFGB test report after the tests are passed.

Validity Period of LFGB Certification

There is no mandatory expiration date for LFGB certification. As long as the testing standards for LFGB certification are not revised, the original lfgb certificate remains valid long-term.

Summary

In fact, the difference between LFGB and other food-grade tests lies in the fact that LFGB has more comprehensive testing requirements for plastic products. This test categorizes different plastic materials into PC, PVC, PE, etc. Different types of materials are tested according to different testing standards, making the experimental results more standardized.

Precisely because the requirements of LFGB testing are stricter than those in other countries, LFGB test reports are equally recognized in other countries. If you have any other questions regarding German LFGB certification, welcome to consult JJR Lab.