一, Basic rules for food-grade silicone tubing compliance
Food grade silicone tubing usually has to meet the following common standards, no matter which country standard applies:The material must be silicone rubber of high purity that does not contain dangerous components that can move about. Will not let out smells, be harmful, or change the chemicals in food when it comes into contact with it; Consistent performance in high and low temperatures, acidic and basic environments, when cleaning and disinfecting; Have reports of tests that can be traced and statements of conformity.
二,US Standard: FDA Food Contact Materials Regulations
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) sets the basic criteria for food grade silicone tubing. The United States is one of the most common places to sell it.
Food grade silicone tubing usually has to meet FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, which is mostly about making sure that rubber items that come into contact with food are safe. It focusses on finding out what contaminants can be removed, how well they dissolve, and how well they can handle high temperatures.
Food processing equipment, beverage distribution pipelines, dairy production lines, coffee makers, and commercial kitchen equipment can all employ silicone tubing that fulfils FDA regulations. It's important to clarify that FDA is part of "regulatory compliance" and not certification. Companies normally do third-party lab tests and give compliance declarations.
三, EU standards: EC 1935/2004 and LFGB
The EU has quite rigorous rules about materials that come into contact with food. Food grade silicone hosesare mostly subject to the following rules:The main rule for food contact materials in the European Union is EC 1935/2004. It says that materials must not be harmful to human health, change the composition or sensory properties of food, or do so under normal or expected conditions of usage.
The German LFGB standard, especially the parts that deal with silicone products, is commonly seen as a good example of high standards in the EU market when it comes to testing. LFGB has much stricter rules than normal EU rules when it comes to volatile substances, smells, migration
四,The Chinese standard is the GB National Food Safety Standard.
Food-grade silicone tubing sold in China must meet the national food safety criteria set by the GB 4806 series.
GB 4806.11, for example, says what rubber food contact materials and products must have, how much they can migrate, how much heavy metal they can contain, and what their physical and chemical qualities must be.
Silicone tubes that meet GB specifications are often used in equipment for processing food, systems for drinking water, lines for filling beverages, and some medical and maternal and child-related equipment. It is usual for businesses that sell goods in the US and abroad to meet both GB and FDA or LFGB regulations at the same time.
五,Japanese Standard: Food Hygiene Act (JHOSPA)
Japan also has tight rules about food safety, and food-grade silicone hoses normally have to follow the Japanese Food Safety Law and the JHOSPA (Japan Rubber Products Association) standards.
Japanese standards are very strict in controlling odours, impurities, and long-term stability. This makes them great for things like sake, dairy products, and high-end food processing equipment that are very picky about the taste of food.
In the Asian market, it is typically easier to earn customers' trust when you use Japanese specification silicone tubing.
六, Applicable standards in other countries and regions
Food grade silicone tubes also have rules in other nations and areas, in addition to the principal markets listed above:
In Canada, people usually talk about the rules set by the FDA or Health Canada for materials that come into contact with food. In Australia and New Zealand, the rules are mostly based on those set by FSANZ (Food Standards Agency). In South Korea, most food equipment projects follow the rules set by the FDA, LFGB, or local rules for materials that come into contact with food.In general, FDA+LFGB is now the most often used combination standard in international trade.
七, How to choose food grade silicone tubing that meets the standards of multiple countries?
If you export goods or sell to consumers in other countries, you should use food grade silicone tubes that meet FDA, LFGB, and GB standards at the same time. These kinds of items are frequently more advanced in terms of the quality of the raw materials, the production process, and quality control. They are also easier to fulfil the standards of different markets.
At the same time, suppliers should have to give full testing reports, material declarations, and batch traceability information so that they can respond quickly when customers or customs officials come to check them.
