Rice cooker German LFGB certification testing project application
Date：2025-11-20 10:22:42 Classification
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German LFGB testing covers all materials, including products manufactured using the latest processes, such as: chrome plating on barbecue grills, temperature resistance testing of Teflon coatings on cooking pans, and silicone sealing ring testing in kettles. A professional interpretation of the German LFGB certification testing items and application process for rice cookers, combined with regulatory requirements and practical points, is summarized below:
I. Core LFGB Certification Testing Items
As a food contact material (FCM), rice cookers must pass the following key tests:
1. Sensory Testing (Sensory Migration)
- Purpose: To detect whether the material releases off-odors or alters the taste of food.
- Method: After immersion in distilled water, 3% acetic acid, and 10% ethanol simulated solutions, assess changes in odor and taste.
- Standard: No abnormal odor/taste (LFGB §31 LMBG 3).
2. Heavy Metal Migration Testing
- Key Elements: Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg).
- Limit Requirements (Examples):
- Pb ≤ 0.01 mg/dm²
- Cd ≤ 0.005 mg/dm²
- Simulated solutions: 3% acetic acid (acidic foods), 10% ethanol (alcoholic foods).
3. Specific Substance Migration Tests
- Formaldehyde and Phenolic Migration (Common in Plastic Parts)
- Formaldehyde Limit: ≤ 15 mg/kg (food simulant).
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) (Rubber/Silicone Seals)
- Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) ≤ 0.01 mg/kg.
4. Total Migration Test (OM)
- Conditions: 10 days at 40°C (simulating long-term exposure).
- Limit: Total migration ≤ 10 mg/dm².
5. Material-Specific Testing
- Plastics: Compliant with (EU) No 10/2011 requirements (e.g., BPA release).
- Metals: Nickel release (handle/shell) ≤ 0.1 μg/cm²/week.
II. Certification Process and Key Steps
Stage 1: Material Pre-inspection and Solution Design
| Steps | Key Operational Points
| Material Decomposition | Disassemble the rice cooker inner pot, sealing ring, and outer shell materials (e.g., PP plastic, 304 stainless steel, silicone).
| Test Solution Customization | Select the corresponding LFGB standard based on the material (e.g., Plastics: LFGB §30-33).
Stage 2: Laboratory Testing Execution
- Sample Submission Requirements:
- Provide 3-5 brand new finished products, including all food-contact parts (inner pot, steaming rack, measuring cup).
- Testing Cycle: Approximately 5-7 working days (extended to 10 days for complex projects).
Phase 3: Document Review and Certification Issuance
1. Technical Documentation List:
- Product structure diagram, material composition declaration (including supplier COA), test reports.
2. Declaration of Conformity (DoC):
- Manufacturer's signed document committing to compliance with LFGB and EU (EU) 1935/2004.
Phase 4: Labelling and Market Access
- Packaging Labelling:
- Add cutlery symbols (food contact symbols) + "LFGB Compliant".
- Traceability Requirements:
- Retain test reports for 10 years for random checks by German market regulators (such as BVL).
III. Cost and Cycle Optimization Recommendations
| Project | Optimization Strategy |
| Cost | Provide material COA in advance to reduce screening tests.
| Cycle | 5-7 working days | Prepare technical documents simultaneously to shorten review time.
IV. Common Failure Points and Mitigation Solutions
1. Inner Liner Coating Issues
- Risks: Excessive lead in ceramic coatings, PFOA residue in Teflon coatings.
- Solution: Require suppliers to provide FDA/LFGB compliance certification.
2. Excessive PAHs in Silicone Components
- Alternative Solution: Use platinum-cured silicone.
3. Missing Labeling
- Compliance Example: Permanently label the bottom of the inner liner with "FOR FOOD CONTACT".
V. Synergy between LFGB and Other Certifications
- EU CE Certification: LFGB meets the food safety module of CE (but not electrical safety).
- US FDA: LFGB heavy metal testing is stricter than FDA; passing LFGB covers basic FDA requirements.
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