Silicone baking mold German LFGB test report
Date：2026-03-13 10:05:11 Classification
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For silicone baking molds exported to Germany, obtaining an LFGB test report is a mandatory market access requirement. Because baking molds are used in high-temperature environments and come into direct contact with food, German regulations are particularly stringent.
I. Core Testing Items (Key Points)
LFGB certification differs from ordinary food-grade testing; it has specific and stringent requirements for silicone products. For baking molds, the following tests are mainly conducted:
1. Sensory Testing
This is the area where silicone molds are most likely to fail.
Test Content: Tests whether the product releases off-odors or causes abnormal tastes in food under simulated high-temperature baking conditions.
Requirements: There should be no obvious pungent odor, and the product should not alter the taste of the food it contacts.
2. Total Migration Test
Test Content: Simulates how much chemical substance will "migrate" into the food when the mold comes into contact with oils (such as cake batter) or water-based foods.
Simulated Liquids: Olive oil (simulating oils) and distilled water (simulating water-based foods) are typically used.
Limits: The total migration amount is usually required to be ≤ 10 mg/dm² (or depending on the specific material standard).
3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Test
This is a core challenge for LFGB testing of silicone rubber.
Background: Silicone rubber readily releases small-molecule volatile organic compounds (such as D3-D6 cyclic siloxanes) at high temperatures.
Test Purpose: To assess the total amount of volatile substances released at high temperatures.
Limit Requirements: According to German BfR recommendations, the volatile substance content is typically required to be ≤ 0.5%. If the raw material quality is poor or the vulcanization process is inadequate, this limit is easily exceeded.
4. Heavy Metal Leaching
Test Content: Detects the leaching amount of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium.
Requirements: Must comply with specific EU and German heavy metal limit standards.
5. Peroxide Value Test
If peroxides are used as vulcanizing agents in the silicone rubber production process, residual amounts must be tested to ensure no harmful residues remain.
II. Applicable Regulations and Standards
LFGB testing of silicone baking molds is primarily based on the following regulatory framework:
LFGB §30 & §31: Basic provisions of the German Food and Consumer Goods Act (prohibition of releasing harmful substances, prohibition of altering the sensory characteristics of food).
BfR XV: Recommended standards for silicone rubber from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (this is the specific technical basis for LFGB to determine the compliance of silicone products).
EU 1935/2004/EC: EU framework regulation for food contact materials.
III. Processing Procedure
Step 1: Preliminary Consultation and Preparation
Confirm the product material (whether it is a vapor phase gel or a precipitated gel, food grade or industrial grade).
Prepare samples: Typically, 200g-500g samples are required (approximately 3-5 finished molds, depending on the mold size).
Step 2: Submission for Testing
Submit the samples to a third-party testing organization with CNAS and CMA accreditations (such as SGS, TUV, or a domestic professional testing organization).
Complete the application form, specifying the product's intended use as a "baking mold" (this will determine the testing conditions are high temperature).
Step 3: Laboratory Testing
Samples undergo pretreatment in the laboratory, with extraction and analysis performed under simulated high-temperature baking conditions.
Cycle: Typically 5-7 working days.
Step 4: Report Issuance
Passing Test: An LFGB test report will be issued.
Failing Test: Corrections must be made based on the report data (e.g., changing raw materials, increasing secondary curing time), and then the sample must be resubmitted for testing.
IV. How to Ensure Successful Testing? (A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls)
The most common failures in LFGB testing for silicone baking molds are in the "Odor/Sensory Test" and "VOC Volatile Organic Compounds" tests. Here are some recommendations:
1. Raw Material Selection: Food-grade silicone must be used. It is recommended to use fumed silica, as its purity is higher than precipitated silica and its VOC content is lower.
2. Curing Process (Critical):
Many molds exceed VOC limits due to insufficient curing time or temperature.
Recommendation: 1. Perform secondary vulcanization after production. This involves baking in an oven at a high temperature (e.g., 180℃-200℃) for 4-6 hours to force out residual small-molecule volatiles. This is the most effective method for passing the LFGB VOC test.
3. Avoid adding inferior color masterbatches/pigments: If the mold is colored, the pigments must also be food-grade; otherwise, heavy metal and migration levels are likely to exceed limits.
4. Packaging control: Ensure that the packaging paper/box also meets food contact requirements to prevent ink odors from migrating to the silicone mold, leading to sensory test failure.
V. The Role of the Report
1. Market Access: An essential document for German customs clearance.
2. Affixing the Cutlery Mark: After obtaining the report, the product can legally affix the "cutlery mark," the primary indicator for German consumers to identify food-grade safe products, greatly increasing their willingness to purchase.
3. E-commerce Platform Compliance: Amazon Germany, eBay, and other platforms conduct regular spot checks, requiring the uploading of the LFGB report.
Summary:
LFGB testing for silicone baking molds focuses on VOC (volatile organic compounds) and sensory testing. It is recommended to submit samples for testing before mass production to confirm that the formula and process meet the standards, thus avoiding large-scale returns or destruction due to failed tests.
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