FDA vs LFGB Silicone Certification: What’s the Difference?

Silicone products are used in many parts of daily life. But for consumers, safety always comes first. To sell in global markets, silicone items need food-grade safety certification. Among all standards, FDA and LFGB are the most trusted worldwide. So, what are the key differences between FDA and LFGB?

This guide will help you clearly understand both certifications—their definitions, differences, scope of application, and how to get certified.

Why Do Silicone Products Need Food Contact Certification?

Silicone is a high-performance polymer known for its heat resistance, flexibility, and stability. But if the raw materials are not properly selected or the process is poorly controlled, the final product may still contain harmful substances or unpleasant odors. These can pose risks to human health.

Therefore, food-grade silicone must pass certification from trusted testing agencies. This ensures it won’t release toxic chemicals or affect the taste and smell of food, even after long periods of contact at high temperatures.

What Are FDA and LFGB Certifications?

FDA Certification

FDA stands for the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. It sets safety rules for things like food, medicine, and medical devices. For silicone products, FDA rules come from Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 21).

The goal of FDA testing is to make sure the silicone won’t release harmful substances during normal use. It focuses on the ingredients used in silicone. All materials must be on the FDA-approved list and meet certain purity standards.

LFGB Certification

LFGB is short for Lebensmittel-, Bedarfsgegenstände- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch. It is Germany’s food and consumer goods law. It’s also part of the EU food contact material rules (like EU 1935/2004 and EU 10/2011). Many experts see LFGB as one of the strictest safety standards in the world.

LFGB doesn’t just check for chemical safety. It also makes sure the product won’t change the taste or smell of food. That’s why LFGB tests are often more detailed than FDA ones.

What’s the Difference Between FDA and LFGB Certifications?

Both FDA and LFGB set safety standards for food-grade silicone, but they focus on different things. FDA looks at material safety and ingredient compliance. LFGB goes further—it also checks if the product affects food’s taste or smell, and uses stricter test conditions.

Here’s a side-by-side look at how their testing methods compare.

Where Are FDA and LFGB Certifications Accepted?

FDA: Your ticket to the U.S. market

• FDA certification is a must if you want to sell silicone products in the United States.
• It is also widely accepted in Canada, South America, and many Middle Eastern countries.
• For global brands, FDA approval builds strong trust at a basic level.

LFGB: Essential for Germany and the EU

• In Germany, LFGB testing is almost always required by customers.
• While not legally mandatory in other EU countries, it is widely recognized.
• EU consumers often care more about taste, smell, and clean contact with food.

Recommendation: Go for both to reach high-end markets

• Getting both FDA and LFGB certifications helps open doors to global sales.
• It also boosts brand credibility, especially for baby products and premium kitchenware.

How Can Silicone Products Pass FDA and LFGB Tests?

To pass FDA and LFGB certifications, the key lies in choosing the right materials, managing production carefully, and working with qualified third-party labs. When you pay close attention to materials, processes, and testing, your silicone products will be more likely to meet both standards and gain a strong foothold in global markets.

Control Your Materials: Start from the Source

Choosing the right raw materials is the first step to success.

• Use platinum-cured, food-grade silicone: Compared to peroxide-cured silicone, platinum-cured silicone leaves no strong smell or by-products after curing. It’s much easier to pass LFGB sensory and migration tests, as well as FDA’s total non-volatile residue test.
• Avoid risky additives: Make sure your materials do not contain harmful chemicals like organotin compounds or benzene derivatives. Always check the supplier’s MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and material compliance statement before purchasing.

Manage the Process: Good Materials Need Good Handling

Even the best materials can fail if the production process is poor.

• Apply post-curing: This is essential. After molding, bake the silicone parts at high temperatures (usually 150°C–200°C) for several hours. This step removes low-molecular volatile substances like D4, D5, and D6, reduces odor, and lowers migration risks—helping your products pass both LFGB and FDA tests.
• Keep molds clean and use food-grade release agents: Always use clean molds and safe, low-residue release agents. This prevents contamination that could affect test results.

Work with Certified Labs: Let the Experts Confirm It

In the end, a third-party lab must confirm compliance.

• Be well prepared: Submit representative samples along with a full ingredient list. This helps labs test accurately and efficiently.
• Choose a trusted testing partner: Go with global testing labs like SGS, Intertek, or TÜV. Their reports carry more weight in global markets.
• Plan ahead: Testing usually takes 7–15 working days, so be sure to include this in your production and shipping timeline.

Conclusion

Understanding and using FDA and LFGB certifications the right way does more than open global markets. It helps build customer trust and grow your brand. In today’s competitive silicone market, safety and compliance are a must—not a choice. And it all starts with proper certification.

We have rich experience in food-grade silicone production. We know the FDA and LFGB rules inside and out. From picking safe materials to passing lab tests, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Reach out now to get expert advice and move forward with confidence.