LFGB Food Contact Materials Testing

LFGB testing is a regulatory safety assessment for materials and articles intended to come into contact with food in the German and European market. It applies to finished products, components, and materials used during food preparation, storage, serving, and consumption. LFGB compliance focuses on chemical safety, material stability, and sensory neutrality under realistic conditions of use.

What LFGB Testing Covers

LFGB is the German Food and Feed Code governing food, consumer goods, and food contact materials. Under LFGB requirements, materials intended for food contact must be suitable for their intended purpose and must not transfer substances into food in quantities that could endanger human health or impair food quality.

LFGB testing evaluates food contact safety through laboratory assessments selected according to material composition, food contact conditions, temperature exposure, and foreseeable use scenarios.

LFGB Testing Scope

LFGB testing scope is defined by how a product is used, not by product name alone. Scope determination follows a use-based evaluation model that aligns laboratory testing with real application conditions.

Key factors used to define LFGB scope include:

• Material composition and surface structure
  
• Direct or indirect food contact
  
• Food type, including aqueous, acidic, fatty, or alcoholic
  
• Contact temperature, including heating, cooking, or reheating
  
• Duration and frequency of food contact
  
• Single-use or repeated-use application

Products designed for repeated contact, elevated temperatures, or long storage typically require broader assessment than short-term or single-use items.

Core Tests Commonly Included in LFGB Testing

While LFGB test scope varies by product, several core assessments are commonly applied across food contact evaluations.

Overall Migration Testing

Overall migration testing is the baseline assessment in LFGB compliance.

This test measures the total quantity of substances that may migrate from a food contact material into food or food simulants under defined conditions. Test parameters are selected to reflect foreseeable use, including contact time and temperature.

Overall migration testing applies to all food contact materials, including plastics, silicone, metals, coatings, and composite products.

Odour and Taste Testing

Odour and taste testing is a defining element of LFGB assessment.

This evaluation determines whether contact with the product causes detectable changes in the smell or taste of food. Food contact materials are expected to remain sensory neutral during normal use.

This assessment is particularly relevant for drinkware, tableware, food containers, silicone products, and baby feeding items.

Material-Specific LFGB Testing Requirements

Beyond core testing, LFGB assessments include additional evaluations based on material type and intended application.

Plastic Food Contact Materials

Plastic products are assessed for overall migration and specific migration of regulated substances. Test selection depends on polymer type, additives, and use conditions such as heating or repeated contact.

Specific migration testing may address plasticisers, residual monomers, or other regulated substances associated with plastic formulations.

Silicone Food Contact Materials

Silicone materials typically require extended evaluation due to their flexibility and frequent use at elevated temperatures.

In addition to overall migration and sensory testing, silicone products may be assessed for volatile components and low-molecular-weight substances, particularly for baking, cooking, or infant feeding applications.

Metal and Coated Food Contact Products

Metal and coated products are assessed for metal release and coating stability.

Testing confirms that metals or coating components do not migrate into food at levels of concern and that surface layers remain stable during heating, contact, and cleaning.

Common Products Within LFGB Scope

LFGB testing commonly applies to the following food contact products:

• Food storage containers and lids
  
• Tableware made of plastic, silicone, metal, or composite materials
  
• Cups, bottles, and drinkware
  
• Kitchen utensils and cooking tools
  
• Bakeware and moulds
  
• Baby feeding products
  
• Reusable food packaging components
  
• Food contact parts of household or commercial appliances

Products used in catering, food manufacturing, or professional kitchens are also within LFGB scope when direct food contact occurs.

How LFGB Scope Is Defined for New Products

LFGB testing scope is established through a technical review of product design and application.

Evaluation typically considers:

• Materials used in each food contact component
  
• Intended food contact type and conditions
  
• Exposure to heat, pressure, or long contact periods
  
• Repeated-use versus single-use scenarios

This structured approach ensures that LFGB testing reflects actual product use while meeting regulatory expectations.

LFGB Testing and Compliance Documentation

LFGB compliance is demonstrated through laboratory test reports and supporting technical documentation. These documents describe test scope, applied methods, test conditions, and results relevant to the assessed product.

Products that pass applicable food contact compliance testing may display the Knife and Fork symbol to indicate suitability for food contact use, provided the marking is supported by appropriate technical documentation.

LFGB does not represent a standalone certification label. Compliance is established through appropriate testing aligned with product application and regulatory requirements.

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LFGB testing evaluates food contact safety through a structured, application-based assessment. Scope is defined by material type, food contact conditions, and intended use, with core testing supported by material-specific evaluations. Manufacturers and brands preparing food contact products for the German and European market should define LFGB scope early to ensure efficient compliance and market acceptance.