Before ceramic products are sold as food contact materials in the German market, they need to pass LFGB testing to ensure that they meet Germany's food-grade contact material standards. The following is a detailed German LFGB food contact material testing guide for ceramic products:
1. Testing purpose
LFGB testing aims to ensure that ceramic products do not release harmful substances when in contact with food, thereby protecting the health and safety of consumers.
2. Detection range
Ceramic products, including but not limited to tableware, kitchenware, tea sets, coffee sets, etc., as long as they have direct contact or may come into contact with food, are within the scope of LFGB testing.
3. Test items
Component analysis: Conduct component analysis on the raw materials of ceramic products to understand their composition and ensure that they do not contain banned or restricted harmful substances.
Heavy metal detection: Focus on detecting heavy metal elements such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) that may be contained in ceramic products. These heavy metals may migrate into food under certain conditions and pose a threat to human health. Testing methods usually include dissolution testing, which tests the amount of heavy metals released under simulated food environments. For samples with patterns within 2cm of the cup edge, additional lead, cadmium, and cobalt dissolution testing is required.
Migration test: Place ceramic products under different conditions (such as different temperatures, acidity, storage time, etc.), and use appropriate simulated liquids to conduct migration tests to evaluate the quality of substances in ceramic products that may migrate into food.
Physical property testing: including testing of physical properties such as density, hardness, heat resistance, oil resistance, and mechanical strength to evaluate the basic properties and durability of the sample.
Chemical property testing: Test the pH value, antioxidant performance, solubility and other chemical properties of ceramic products to evaluate their impact and stability on food pH.
Odor and taste transfer: Evaluate possible odor and taste transfer from ceramic products during use to ensure they do not adversely affect food.
4. Testing process
Sample preparation: Randomly select standardized samples that meet the specified requirements from mass-produced ceramic products.
Sample processing: According to the test standards, the samples are cleaned, dried and other processing processes to ensure the consistency of the test conditions.
Test implementation: Test samples according to LFGB standards. Various chemical and physical methods may be used during the test process.
Data recording and analysis: Record the data and results during the test process in detail and conduct necessary analysis.
Report preparation: Prepare a detailed test report based on the test results, including the conditions used in the test, test results, conclusions, etc.
Certificate issuance: If the ceramic product meets the requirements of the LFGB standard, the testing agency will issue a certification mark or certificate of conformity, proving that the product meets the German food-grade contact material standards and can be sold in the German market.
5. Things to note
Testing agency selection: Choose an authoritative and professional testing agency for testing to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results.
Test cycle and cost: The test cycle and cost vary depending on product features and test items. Applicants need to communicate with the testing agency in advance and confirm relevant matters.
Compliance requirements: After passing the LFGB test and obtaining the certificate of conformity, the ceramic products will comply with the relevant requirements of the German Food and Daily Necessities Act, and can be sold in the German market and enjoy high market reputation. At the same time, applicants also need to comply with relevant German laws and regulations to ensure product compliance.
To sum up, the German LFGB food contact material testing of ceramic products is a comprehensive evaluation process, which requires applicants to fully understand the testing requirements, select an appropriate testing agency, ensure product compliance and comply with relevant laws and regulations.
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