What items does the German LFGB test and certification for pet food containers r
Date：2025-08-28 09:40:05 Classification
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LFGB testing, also known as the German Food and Consumer Goods Act (LFGB), is a standard used by the German Federal Health Council to assess the safety of food contact materials. This test primarily detects harmful substances in food contact materials to ensure that these materials do not pose a hazard to food during use. Specific items and procedures for obtaining German LFGB testing and certification for pet food containers:
I. Scope of LFGB Testing
Pet food containers (such as food bowls, water bowls, sealed storage jars, and smart feeders) that come into direct contact with pet food must comply with the mandatory requirements of the German Food and Consumer Goods Act (LFGB). Core testing items cover material safety and chemical migration risks.
II. Core Testing Items (Classified by Material)
1. General Mandatory Testing Items
- Sensory Testing: Evaluates the presence of an unusual odor or taste after contact with simulated food solutions (water, alcohol, or oil).
- Total Migration Test: Tests the total amount of non-volatile substances released by the material into a food simulant (such as acetic acid or ethanol) at high temperatures (70°C-100°C) (limit ≤ 10 mg/dm²).
2. Test Items by Material
| Material Type | Specific Test Items
| Plastic/Silicone | - Phthalate (six plasticizers) content (limit ≤ 0.1%);
- Peroxide value (specific to silicone, assesses aging risk);
- Volatile organic compound (VOM) emission.
| Metal (Stainless Steel/Aluminum) | - Heavy metal release: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni);
- Chromium plating requires additional testing for hexavalent chromium migration.
| Ceramics/Glass | - Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) release (acid solution immersion test).
| Coating/Printing Ink | - Test for banned azo dyes (decomposable carcinogenic aromatic amines);
- Formaldehyde emission (key item for colored coatings).
> Note:
> - Smart containers containing electronic components (such as automatic feeders) require additional electrical safety testing (insulation resistance and temperature rise control).
- Antimicrobial functional containers require testing for antimicrobial agent migration (e.g., nanosilver, triclosan).
III. Certification Process and Cycle
1. Sample Preparation:
- Provide 3-5 unused finished products (including components made of different materials, such as a plastic bowl and silicone seal).
2. Laboratory Selection:
- Must be DAkkS accredited. Recommended laboratory: Dezewei.
3. Testing Phase:
- Basic testing cycle: 5-7 working days (extended to 10 days for complex materials);
- Expedited option: 3 working days for a fee of 1.5 times the original cost.
4. Reports and Compliance Documents:
- Upon passing the test, obtain a LFGB test report (with German and English versions attached);
- A Declaration of Conformity (DOC) must be signed simultaneously, stating that the product complies with the LFGB Appendix limits.
IV. Key Considerations for Enterprises
1. Cost Optimization Recommendations:
- Containers made of the same material can be tested together (e.g., mixed testing of multiple-sized plastic bowls), reducing the cost per item by 30%.
- The metal testing fee is approximately ¥1,000-1,500, and the plastic/silicone testing fee is approximately ¥2,500-3,500 (including VOM testing).
2. Labeling and Instruction Manual Requirements:
- The operating temperature range (e.g., "-20°C to 120°C") and the applicable food type (dry food/wet food) must be marked.
- Cleaning warnings (e.g., "Do not microwave").
3. Supply Chain Compliance:
- Suppliers are required to provide LFGB pre-inspection reports for raw materials (e.g., SDS for plastic pellets).
V. Failure Handling and Ongoing Compliance
- Corrective Action: If heavy metal or plasticizer levels exceed the standards, the material supplier must be changed (e.g., using food-grade PP instead of recycled plastic).
- Annual Update: Due to dynamic adjustments to LFGB regulations (e.g., the addition of bisphenol S restrictions in 2025), retesting is recommended every 12 months.
A [Prepare 3-5 samples] --> B [Select a DAkkS-accredited laboratory]
B --> C [Test specific items by material]
C --> D {{Does it meet the standards?}}
D --> |Yes| E [Obtain LFGB report + DOC statement]
D --> |No| F [Adjust materials and resubmit for testing]
E --> G [Enter the German market]
F --> C
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