FDA testing is done for food contact materials. This is done by material. The FOOD and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food contact materials, and these materials have to be tested to make sure they meet food contact safety standards.

What is FDA grade rubber?

Because the FDA has strict standards for the types of materials that may come into contact with consumables, materials used to make food-grade rubber must be formally approved by the FDA. All FDA-manufactured products are processed and packaged in a certified clean room environment and are rigorously tested to meet the needs of the most challenging food processing and beverage applications. These rubber materials are usually:

1. Used in food, beverage, meat, milk or any chemical that conforms to food

2, odorless, tasteless, natural resistance to bacterial breeding

3, reliable service in a wide temperature range

4, non-toxic, no trace and no allergic raw materials

One, rubber FDA certification regulations

The FDA specification for the use of FDA-approved rubber states, "Rubber products intended for reuse may be safely used in the manufacture, manufacture, packaging, processing, preparation, handling, packaging, transportation, or preservation of food, subject to this section."

FDA rubber, in compliance with federal regulations (FDA 21 CFR 177.2600), covers materials used with consumables such as food and beverage products; However, food safe silicone can also be used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries; It should be noted that FDA-approved rubbers should not be confused with commercial grade or medical and pharmaceutical grade rubbers, which are made to fewer or more stringent specifications, respectively.

Two, rubber FDA food contact material testing

Food grade rubber is a specially certified rubber grade approved for use in food production and packaging. Food grade rubber products are made from silicone, natural rubber, NBR, neoprene and polyurethane rubber. In addition to food, food grade rubber can also be used in liquid and pharmaceutical production.

Food-grade rubber has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration - Department of Health and Human Services) as part 177 - Indirect Food Additives section 177.2600 - Reusable rubber products, which means that rubber products and parts meet the limited levels set by this ruling.

FDA rubber is commonly used in applications involving the production, packaging, processing, preparation, or preservation of food, beverage, or consumable products to maintain the quality of these products and to prevent them from being contaminated by exposure to foreign elements. FDA silicone rubber does not allow harmful contaminants to accumulate on it.

FDA rubber certified (FDA 21 CFR 177.2600) must be used in these applications because the risk of product contamination is significantly increased when such rubber is not used. Frequent exposure to certain foods or liquids can lead to the production of acids and chemicals that may affect the quality of the food and may lead to food poisoning. Since FDA-approved rubber is considered non-toxic and a non-labeled material, it is the perfect elastomer for food-related applications.

Three, food FDA certification process

Food and materials FDA certification process is as follows:

1. Consultation -- The applicant shall provide product information pictures or descriptions of the products and materials required for FDA application.

2. Quotation -- Based on the information provided by the applicant, the technical engineer will make an evaluation, determine the items to be tested, and offer the quotation to the applicant

3. The applicant shall fill in the test application form and test sample after confirming the quotation

4. Sample Testing -- Testing will be performed in accordance with applicable FDA standards

5. Provide FDA certification report upon completion of the test

Four, used for food grade rubber

1, EPDM: EPDM rubber for rubber needs to resist environmental degradation and ozone exposure.

2. Natural rubber: Natural rubber is suitable for products exposed to dry and wet organic acids and alcohol as well as chemicals with medium pH value

3, neoprene rubber: neoprene rubber is suitable for exposure to high wear and wear of chemicals, these chemicals will leave grease and other residues

4, nitrile rubber: nitrile rubber is a synthetic rubber, suitable for directly mixed with oil products

5, silicone rubber: widely used rubber, used in the manufacture of food and medicine. It is heat resistant, open flame and electrical insulation