Food tray German LFGB testing process
Date：2025-09-22 09:59:05 Classification
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LFGB testing is conducted on all materials, including products produced using the latest technology, such as temperature resistance testing for chrome plating on barbecue grills, Teflon coating on cooking pans, and silicone seals in kettles. The complete process and key points of LFGB testing required for food trays exported to Germany are integrated from German official requirements and laboratory operating specifications:
1. Preparation before testing
1. Confirm material classification
- Metal trays (such as stainless steel): Testing for heavy metal migration (lead, cadmium, etc.) and composition analysis is required.
- Plastic/silicone trays (such as PP, TPE): Transferable components, volatile organic compounds, and sensory testing are required.
- Composite materials: Each component needs to be disassembled and inspected separately (such as metal handles + plastic trays).
2. Prepare technical documents
- Bill of Materials (BOM) including chemical composition ratios of each component
- Production process description (such as coating process, hot forming temperature)
- Product design drawings and identification of food-contacting parts
II. Core testing process
▶ Stage 1: Application and Sampling
| Step | Operational Requirements
| Choose a laboratory | Look for DAkkS (German Accreditation Council) or EU ILAC accredited institutions
| Sample submission requirements | - Provide final finished product + backup samples of raw materials
- Quantity: 3-5 complete pallets from the same batch
| Fill in the application form | Indicate the usage scenario (such as freezing/microwave heating/containing acidic food)
▶ Stage 2: Laboratory testing items
1. Sensory testing
- Evaluate whether the tray emits any peculiar smell/odor under simulated usage conditions (such as heating to 70℃).
2. Chemical migration test
- General item: Total migration (non-volatile residue after immersion in simulated fluid)
- Targeted projects:
- Plastics: specific migration of phthalates, caprolactam, etc
- Metals: release of lead, cadmium, and nickel (as per EN 1388 standard)
- Coating category: Formaldehyde emission, Bisphenol A testing
3. Screening for heavy metals and harmful substances
- Preliminary screening via XRF scanning + confirmation of arsenic, mercury, and other contents through chemical methods.
▶ Stage 3: Report review and certification
- Obtain LFGB test report after passing (including authorization of knife and fork logo)
- Processing time: Regularly takes 5-7 working days, and can be expedited to 5 days (with an additional 30% charge)
III. Key Considerations
1. Special requirements for material quality
- Silicone components: Additional testing for volatile organic compounds (VOC) is required
- Recycled plastics: add testing for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and primary aromatic amines (PAA)
2. Common causes of failure
- Plastic pallets contain excessive plasticizers (such as DEHP > 0.1mg/kg)
- Nickel release from metal trays > 0.1μg/cm²/week (when in contact with acidic foods)
3. Cost reference
- Single material testing: ¥800-1500
- Complete machine made of composite materials: ¥1000-2500
IV. Differences from EU regulations
| Comparison Item | Germany LFGB | EU 1935/2004 |
| Controlled substances | Stricter (e.g. additional testing requirements for azo dyes) | Basic migration + specific substance restrictions
| Marking requirements | Must affix knife and fork marks | No specific marks required, compliance with declaration is sufficient
| Spot-check frequency | Mandatory spot-check in the German market every year | Determined by each member state
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