FDA vs LFGB Silicone: What's the Difference?

If you are sourcing food-contact silicone, you will see two standards quoted constantly: FDA (US) and LFGB (EU). They are not interchangeable — they use different test methods, different limits and different scopes. Here is how to tell which one your product needs.

What Each Standard Actually Is

The Key Difference: Test Method

FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 is primarily a compositional and extractive standard — it limits what can be in the rubber and what migrates out under simulated conditions. LFGB goes further with sensory and organic-volatile testing that FDA does not require.

• FDA: total extractives, and limits on specific heavy metals and monomers.
• LFGB §30/31: organic volatiles test (the "oven" test that measures residual volatiles that could taint food) plus sensory/odor and taste testing.

Which Is Stricter?

In practice, LFGB is widely regarded as the more demanding food-contact standard — largely because of its organic-volatile and sensory requirements. A material that passes LFGB will usually satisfy FDA, but the reverse is not always true.

If you ship the same SKU to both the US and EU, specify LFGB compliance — it covers the EU requirement and typically clears the US FDA bar as well.

What Buyers Should Request

• Ask for the actual test report, not just a "FDA/LFGB approved" claim — the report names the material, the lab and the limits.
• Confirm the report is per material grade, and ideally per batch, not a one-time generic certificate.
• For LFGB, confirm the §30/31 organic-volatile test was performed, not just §30 sensory.
• For post-cured silicone, confirm the supplier runs a post-cure oven step — this is what drives residual volatiles low enough to pass LFGB.

FDA vs LFGB at a Glance

Need to confirm which certification your silicone product requires? Send your project and target market — we'll outline the exact compliance scope.