Metal cutlery conformity standard in China GB4806
Date：2025-11-03 10:30:23 Classification
：【question】 Visits：
The GB 4806 testing standard for metal cutlery is indeed crucial for compliance with food contact materials, especially the control of heavy metal migration, which directly relates to user health. Metal cutlery must strictly comply with the requirements of GB 4806.9-2016, "National Food Safety Standard - Metal Materials and Articles for Food Contact," the specific standards of which are as follows:
I. Core Implementation Standard
Metal cutlery must comply with GB 4806.9-2016, "National Food Safety Standard - Metal Materials and Articles for Food Contact." This standard is a mandatory requirement specifically for metal food contact products, replacing the older version GB 9684-2011, and officially came into effect on April 19, 2017.
II. Key Testing Items and Limits
1. Heavy Metal Migration Limits (Core Indicators)
| Testing Item | Limit Requirements
| Lead (Pb) Migration | ≤ 0.01 mg/kg
| Cadmium (Cd) Migration | Not Detectable
| Nickel (Ni) Migration | ≤ 0.1 mg/kg
| Chromium (Cr) Migration | ≤ 0.05 mg/kg
2. Sensory Requirements
- Surface Quality: Free from burrs, cracks, and plating peeling; edges must be rounded (to prevent scratches).
- Immersion Solution: After immersion in 4% acetic acid (simulating acidic food), there should be no off-odor, turbidity, or color migration.
3. Material Requirements
- Stainless Steel: 304/316 medical-grade stainless steel is recommended. Material composition certification (e.g., chromium and nickel content) is required.
- Coating: If chrome plating, nickel plating, or similar processes are used, the coating must be uniform and firm. Lead-based and cadmium-based coatings are prohibited.
III. Testing Methods and Simulation Conditions
1. Migration Test Procedure
- Simulation Solution Selection: Depending on the type of food the cutlery will contact, commonly used solutions include 4% acetic acid (for acidic foods, such as vinegar and fruit juice) and 20% ethanol (for alcoholic foods).
- Immersion Conditions: Immersion at 60℃ for 2 hours (simulating high-temperature scenarios in daily use).
- Testing Instrument: ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) is used to accurately determine the heavy metal concentration.
2. Sampling Requirements
- 3-5 complete cutlery samples (including the largest surface area components, such as fork tines and blades) are required.
- Samples must be consistent with mass-produced products and must not have undergone special treatment.
IV. Compliance Labeling and Documentation Requirements
1. Product Label
- Must be labeled "For Food Contact Use" or have a spoon/chopstick symbol.
- Chinese Label Content: Product Name, Material (e.g., "304 Stainless Steel"), Manufacturer Information, Production Date
- Warning Instructions: Such as "Do not allow prolonged contact with acidic foods," "Please wash before use"
2. Documents the Company Must Retain
- Raw Material Conformity Certificate (e.g., Material Report for Stainless Steel Sheets)
- Third-Party Testing Report (must be issued by a CNAS accredited laboratory; Dezewei Testing CNAS Registration No.: L8083)
- Declaration of Conformity (Company's self-declaration that the product complies with GB 4806.9-2016 requirements)
V. Common Non-Compliance Risks
- Raw Material Issues: Use of recycled scrap steel or low-grade stainless steel (e.g., 201 stainless steel has a high manganese content and is prone to corrosion)
- Process Defects: Incomplete polishing at welds leading to residual contaminants in the gaps, or improper control of the plating process
- Missing Labeling: Failure to label material information or misuse of the vague term "food grade" (the correct wording should be "complies with GB 4806.9")
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