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I. Overview of LFGB Certification
LFGB certification is the German food and beverage regulations and plays a crucial role in German food hygiene management. In September 2005, Germany's new Food and Dietary Products Law LFGB replaced the Food and Commodities Law LMBG. Also known as the "Law on Food, Tobacco Products, Cosmetics and Other Commodities", it is the most important basic legal document for German food hygiene management and also the criterion and core for formulating other special food hygiene laws and regulations.
The LFGB regulations make general and fundamental provisions for all aspects of German food. All food on the German market and all daily necessities related to food must comply with its basic provisions. Daily necessities in contact with food that pass the tests and comply with Articles 30 and 31 of the German "Law on Food and Commodities" can obtain an LFGB test report issued by an authorized institution proving that it is a "product without chemical toxic substances" and can be sold on the German market.
The product range of LFGB certification is very extensive, including tableware, kitchenware, cooking utensils, small kitchen appliances, insulation containers, etc. For example, tableware covers products of various materials such as cups, plates, bowls, dishes, knives, forks, spoons, etc., such as plastic, glass, ceramics, melamine, rubber, paper, wood, etc. In terms of kitchenware, there are electric kettles, egg cookers, juicers, soymilk makers, spoons, shovels, bottle openers, etc. Cooking utensils include pressure cookers, toasters, frying pans, etc. Small kitchen appliances for kitchens include household water purifiers, electric kettles and cups, microwave ovens, etc. Insulation containers include thermos bottles, insulated cups, etc.
In short, LFGB certification is a pass for food contact materials to enter the German market, ensuring product safety and providing a strong guarantee for the health of consumers.
II. Scope of Certification
(A) Extensive product range
The product range covered by LFGB certification is extremely extensive. In ceramics, it includes various ceramic products in contact with food such as tableware and kitchenware, and their safety during contact with food is crucial. Products made of synthetic plastic materials, such as food packaging and some kitchenware, need to undergo strict LFGB tests to ensure that indicators such as migratable components and extractable heavy metals meet the requirements. Paper products are also an important field of LFGB certification, including food packaging paper, napkins, etc., and items such as pentachlorophenol, heavy metal release, and migration of antibacterial components need to be detected. Leather products such as covering materials for some tableware, textiles such as napkins and tablecloths, as well as cosmetics and tobacco products, as long as there is a possibility of direct or indirect contact with food, are all within the scope of LFGB certification. Among them, stainless steel tableware, as an important food contact material, occupies an important position in the LFGB certification system.
(B) Specific range of stainless steel flatware
The specific range of stainless steel tableware within the LFGB certification has a clear definition. Stainless steel knives, spoons, cups, pots, bottles, bowls, plates and other tableware all need LFGB certification. Taking stainless steel knives as an example, they directly contact food during daily cooking and food cutting. It must be ensured that their composition and extractable heavy metals meet the standards. After strict tests, including component analysis and heavy metal extraction tests. When stainless steel cups are used to hold beverages, it is also necessary to ensure that no harmful substances are released into the beverages. In the cooking process of stainless steel pots, safety must be ensured especially under high temperature conditions. Stainless steel pots certified by LFGB can be used by consumers with confidence. The LFGB certification of stainless steel tableware ensures that these products will not cause harm to human health during contact with food.
III. Details of Test Items
(A) General test items
The general test items for various food contact materials in LFGB certification cover many important aspects. First of all, the initial inspection of samples and materials is the basic link of the entire certification process.
At this stage, the testing agency will conduct a preliminary assessment of the basic properties and materials of the samples to determine whether they meet the basic requirements of LFGB certification.
For example, for stainless steel tableware, the initial inspection will check aspects such as the purity, hardness, and surface treatment of the material to ensure that it meets the quality standards of stainless steel tableware.
Sensory evaluation is another key test item. Sensory evaluation mainly evaluates the transfer of odor and taste that may occur during product use to ensure that it will not have an adverse effect on food.
For stainless steel tableware, sensory evaluation is particularly important. If stainless steel tableware produces an abnormal odor during use, it may affect the taste and quality of food and even pose a potential hazard to human health. In sensory evaluation, professional inspectors will conduct strict inspections on stainless steel tableware through sensory means such as smell and taste to ensure that it will not produce any abnormal odors or tastes.
The test of transferable components and heavy metals is also an important content of LFGB certification. The transferable component test mainly detects whether harmful substances will be released into food during the contact between the product and food. For stainless steel tableware, the transferable component test mainly includes detecting whether heavy metal elements in stainless steel will precipitate into food. Heavy metal elements such as lead, cadmium, and chromium are extremely harmful to human health. Long-term intake may lead to serious consequences such as poisoning.
Therefore, LFGB certification has strict limits on the content of transferable heavy metals in stainless steel tableware.
(B) Special tests for stainless steel tableware
Sensory test for stainless steel tableware
The sensory test of stainless steel tableware mainly focuses on odor and appearance. In the odor test, the inspector will judge whether there is an abnormal odor after the stainless steel tableware is in contact with food for a period of time by smell. If there is an abnormal odor, it may be that the stainless steel material contains certain bad components or is contaminated during the production process. In the appearance test, the inspector will check whether the surface of the stainless steel tableware is smooth, without scratches and rust spots. If there are defects on the surface, it may affect the safety and hygiene of food.
Detection of soluble heavy metals
The detection of soluble heavy metals is one of the core items of LFGB certification for stainless steel tableware. Stainless steel may contain trace amounts of heavy metal elements such as lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, etc. These heavy metal elements may precipitate into food under certain conditions and cause harm to human health.
Therefore, LFGB certification requires strict detection of soluble heavy metals in stainless steel tableware. The detection method is usually to soak the stainless steel tableware in a solution simulating food. After a certain period of time, analyze the heavy metal content in the solution. If the heavy metal content exceeds the specified limit, the stainless steel tableware does not meet the LFGB certification requirements.
Stainless steels that can pass the soluble heavy metal detection are 18/0 stainless steel (430 stainless steel), 18/10 stainless steel 304 stainless steel and 18/8 stainless steel (316 stainless steel). 13/0 stainless steel and 12/0 stainless steel cannot pass this test. The material contents of these stainless steels are different. For example, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are different.
The following chart elucidates the composition disparities among different stainless steels:
| 201 | 410 | 420 | 430 | 304 | 316 | |
| TYPE | austenitic | martensitic | martensitic | ferritic | austenitic | austenitic | |
| CHROMIUM | 18% | 11.5%-13.5% | 12% | 18% | 18% | 18% | |
| NICKEL | 3.5% | 7.5% | 0% | 7.5% | 8% | 10% | |
| CORROSION RESISTANT | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| STRENGTH | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| FEATURES | rusty industrial grade | rusty industrial grade | strength rusty Industrial Grade | magnetically Rusts with long-term use | most versatile Food-grade | high prices Medical grade | |
| USED | steam pan | knife and cutlery | knife | cutlery | kid cutlery or dinner spoon and fork | cutlery |
Microbiological test (if applicable)
In some cases, stainless steel tableware may need to undergo a microbiological test. For example, if stainless steel tableware is used to store or process perishable foods, or may be contaminated by microorganisms during the production process, a microbiological test is required. The microbiological test mainly detects microbial indicators such as the total number of bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus on the surface of stainless steel tableware. If the microbial index exceeds the specified limit, the stainless steel tableware may have a hygiene risk and needs further treatment or improvement.
Based on the LFGB certification standard, here is a practical checklist for self-inspection of stainless steel tableware:
1) Appearance inspection
Surface smoothness: Check whether the surface of the tableware is smooth and free of obvious scratches, depressions, rust and other defects.
Edge treatment: Observe whether the edges of the tableware are rounded and free of sharp corners to avoid harm to the human body during use.
Clear markings: Check whether the markings on the tableware are clear, including product name, material, manufacturer, production date and other information.
2) Odor inspection
After opening the package, smell the tableware to see if there is an abnormal odor. If there is an abnormal odor, it may be that unqualified raw materials or additives are used in the production of the tableware.
Soak the tableware in warm water for a period of time, and then smell it again to see if there is an abnormal odor. If there is still an abnormal odor after soaking, it means that the tableware may have quality problems.
3) Hardness inspection
Gently bend the tableware by hand to feel its hardness. Tableware with moderate hardness can not only ensure durability during use but also not damage food.
Professional hardness testing equipment can be used to measure the hardness of the tableware to ensure that it meets the LFGB certification standard.
4) Corrosion resistance inspection
Soak the tableware in different solutions such as acidic, alkaline, and saline solutions (solutions can be purchased in major professional stores) and observe its corrosion situation. If the tableware shows rust, discoloration and other phenomena after soaking, it means that its corrosion resistance is poor and does not meet the LFGB certification standard.
Professional corrosion resistance testing equipment can be used to test the tableware to obtain more accurate test results.
5) Heavy metal detection
Heavy metal detection test strips or instruments can be used to detect the tableware to determine whether it contains excessive heavy metals.
If there is doubt about the detection result, the tableware can be sent to a professional testing agency for detection to ensure the accuracy of the detection result.
6) Antibacterial performance inspection (if applicable)
Contact the tableware with specific bacteria and observe its antibacterial effect. If the tableware has good antibacterial performance, the growth of bacteria will be significantly inhibited.
Professional antibacterial performance testing equipment can be used to test the tableware to obtain more accurate test results.
IV. Certification Process Steps
(A) Application preparation
The applicant needs to provide detailed information about stainless steel tableware, including material, use, production batch, etc. This information is crucial for the certification body to accurately assess the characteristics of the product and the applicable test standards. For example, if stainless steel tableware is used for children's tableware, stricter safety standards and test items may be required.
When filling out the application form, the applicant should ensure that accurate and complete information is provided so that the certification body can process the application quickly and effectively. The application form usually includes basic product descriptions, manufacturer information, sales markets, etc.
Preparing samples is a key link in the application preparation stage. The samples should be representative and able to reflect the overall quality and characteristics of the product. For stainless steel tableware, the quantity and specifications of the samples should meet the requirements of the certification body.
Generally speaking, multiple samples of different models and specifications of stainless steel tableware need to be provided for comprehensive testing.
(B) Testing stage
The testing stage of LFGB certification is carried out by professional third-party institutions. These institutions have advanced testing equipment and professional technicians to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results.
In terms of sensory testing, professional inspectors will conduct strict inspections on stainless steel tableware through smell and taste. They will judge whether there is an abnormal odor after the stainless steel tableware is in contact with food simulants for a period of time. At the same time, they will also evaluate the appearance and color of stainless steel tableware to ensure that it meets the aesthetic needs of consumers.
The detection of soluble heavy metals is one of the key items in the testing stage. The testing agency will soak the stainless steel tableware in a solution simulating food. After a certain period of time, advanced analytical instruments will be used to detect the heavy metal content in the solution. According to statistics, among unqualified stainless steel tableware, the proportion of heavy metals exceeding the standard is about [X]%.
Therefore, strict detection of soluble heavy metals is crucial for protecting the health of consumers.
If applicable, microbiological tests will also be carried out at this stage. Inspectors will collect samples from the surface of stainless steel tableware and then conduct cultivation and analysis in the laboratory to detect microbial indicators such as the total number of bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Generally speaking, stainless steel tableware with microbial indicators exceeding the specified limit may have a hygiene risk and need further treatment or improvement.
(C) Issuance of results
After completing the test, the certification body will issue a test report according to the test results. The test report will list in detail the results of each test and the conclusion of whether it meets the LFGB standard. If the stainless steel tableware passes all the test items, the certification body will issue a certificate of conformity that meets the LFGB test.
The certificate of conformity is an important certificate for stainless steel tableware to enter the German market. It not only proves the safety and quality of the product, but also provides confidence and guarantee for consumers. At the same time, the certification body will also upload the test report and certificate of conformity to the relevant database for regulatory authorities and consumers to query and verify.
V. Certification cost and cycle
(A) Certification cost calculation method
The LFGB certification cost is calculated according to the material. Each material has a different cost. Generally speaking, the material detection cost ranges from 1000 - 2000 yuan per material. For stainless steel tableware, the certification cost will also vary depending on different stainless steel materials. For example, common 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel have different compositions, which may lead to slight differences in certification costs.
(B) Certification cycle and certificate validity period
The certification cycle of LFGB is generally 5 - 7 working days. If it is a more complex product, the certification time may be relatively longer. After receiving the samples and relevant information, the certification body will conduct evaluation and testing as soon as possible to ensure that the certification process is completed within the specified time.
The LFGB certification certificate is valid for a long time as long as the standard is not revised. This means that once stainless steel tableware passes the LFGB certification, as long as the certification standard does not change, the certificate can be used all the time. This provides certain stability and convenience for enterprises and reduces the cost and time of repeated certification.
In short, the cost calculation method of LFGB certification is clear, the cycle is relatively short, and the certificate validity period is long, providing an expected cost and time frame for enterprises' products to enter the German market. All products related to food need to pass the corresponding tests. Only products that meet the requirements of LFGB can enter the German market for sale.
