Food Safety in Silicone: Why European Certification is Essential

Why European Certification Is Essential

When choosing silicones for food contact, certification is crucial. In Europe, materials that come into contact with food must comply with strict EU regulations. This guarantees that the products are safe for use with foodstuffs.

The Difference between EU Certification and Chinese Test Reports

Many consumers see test reports such as PONY Testing from China and assume their product is safe. However, there is an important difference between a test report and an official certification:

• EU certification: Complies with European legislation and is recognised by authorities such as the NVWA
• Chinese test reports: May contain useful information, but are no substitute for EU certification

The Most Important European Regulations

European certification for materials that come into contact with food is based on a comprehensive system of regulations and guidelines:

• Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004: This fundamental regulation stipulates that materials must not release substances that are harmful to health or that adversely affect the composition of foodstuffs.
• Good Manufacturing Practice (EC No 2023/2006): Manufacturers must work according to strict quality guidelines and be able to demonstrate this.
• Specific Guidelines for Silicones: Migration limits and test methods are laid down in resolutions of the Council of Europe, so that uniform standards apply.
• Independent Supervision: Authorities such as EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) assess substances and check whether manufacturers comply with the regulations.

The result? European certification is legally binding, independently verified and valid throughout the EU. That is something you can rely on.

Food-Safe Silicones for Culinary Moulds

If you want to make your own culinary moulds, it is essential to work with silicones compliant with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600. We offer an extensive range of food-safe silicones especially for this purpose.

🍽️ Food Safety & Quality

We understand that food safety is essential when making moulds for culinary purposes. Here are some important points to bear in mind:

Practical Tips for Food-Safe Silicones

🎨 Adding Colour

Want to colour food-safe silicones? Then use our silicone colourants with the designation FDA after the name. This way you can create creative and safe moulds for professional culinary applications.

🔧 Bonding & Repairing

For bonding, gluing or repairing food-safe silicones we recommend ELASTOSIL® E43 N. This adhesive has been specially developed for food-safe applications.

📚 Help & Documentation

Do you have questions about mould making or food safety? Take a look at our extensive information centre or contact us! We are happy to help.

For more technical information you can also consult our documentation:

• Food-safe, skin-friendly and medical silicones (USP Class VI & ISO 10993)

View Our Range of Food-Safe Silicones

Ready to start making your own culinary moulds? View our complete collection of silicones for culinary moulds with food contact.

Conclusion

When working with silicones for food contact, it is essential to choose products with the right certification. European certification provides the assurance that products meet strict safety standards. Whether you are buying professional baking moulds or making culinary moulds yourself, always check that the products comply with EU regulations and only use materials compliant with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 for optimal food safety.

Sources

• Regular consultation of the NVWA on the Dutch Commodities Act (Warenwet)
• Rijksoverheid.nl: materials that come into contact with food
• Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004
• EFSA: European Food Safety Authority