What is LFGB Test

What is LFGB?

LFGB (Lebensmittel-Bedarfsgegenstände-und Futtermittelgesetzbuch) is the German Food and Commodities Act. Food and food-related products must obtain LFGB approval to enter the German market. Food contact materials and products sold in Germany must pass relevant test requirements and obtain an LFGB Test Report.

Although the LFGB standard is German, it is highly recognized throughout Europe. Even though the EU has its own regulations for food contact materials, EU customers actually have a higher recognition of the German LFGB. Most customers will require an LFGB test report rather than an EU food-grade test report. Therefore, if products fall within the scope of food-grade testing and need to be exported to the EU, the LFGB Test is the best choice.

Which Products Need LFGB Testing?

①　Tableware: bowls, cups, knives, forks, spoons, pots, plates, dishes, chopsticks, trays, napkins, straws, etc.;

②　Kitchen utensils: knives, pans, shovels, basins, peelers, barbecue grills/forks, etc.;

③　Kitchen electrical appliances: juicers, soybean milk machines, coffee machines, kettles, ovens, microwave ovens, rice cookers, disinfection cabinets, dishwashers, blenders, toasters, range hoods, gas stoves, induction cookers, etc.;

④　Food packaging materials: plastic wrap, fresh-keeping bags, food containers, storage jars, seasoning bottles, sealed cans, tablecloths, paper, etc.;

⑤　Children’s products: baby bottles, pacifiers, teething toys, insulated cups, bottle warmers, baby food preparation tools, etc.;

⑥　Products manufactured with latest processes: e.g., chrome plating on barbecue grills, heat resistance testing of Teflon coatings on cooking pans, silicone seal testing in kettles, etc.

What Does LFGB Testing Cover?

LFGB material testing generally includes: peroxide value test, overall migration test, sensory test, etc. Test items vary by material, but to pass LFGB testing, products must be “free of chemical toxic substances”. This test is therefore essential for products exported to Germany or the EU for food-grade use.

Key Points of LFGB

The difference between LFGB testing and other food-grade tests is that LFGB has relatively comprehensive requirements for plastic products. It classifies different plastic materials into PC, PVC, PE, etc., with different test standards for different material types, resulting in more standardized test results.

In addition to overall migration testing, LFGB also requires Section 30 & 31 sensory testing (mainly odor and taste) for tested products. Precisely because LFGB requirements are stricter than those of other countries, LFGB test reports are equally recognized in other countries.