Food grade silicone is the premier type of silicone used in food and beverage production because it’s non-toxic and doesn’t contain any byproducts or chemical fillers. The silicone molecule is made of silicon, oxygen, and other substances, which increases its advantages and contributes to its smooth, non-porous surface.
What is food grade silicone?
A silicone that has been created and produced in conformity with the Food and Drug Administration is known as FDA food grade silicone. FDA food grade silicone, which is renowned for its distinctive and distinguishable features, possesses all the advantageous characteristics of silicone, including resistance to extreme temperatures, stresses, and environments, and can be used across a wide range of industries, particularly in the food and beverage industry.
Food grade silicone is a great tool to use in the production, packing, packaging, shipping, or holding of food since FDA compliance certifies the material is safe for direct contact with food.
Benefits of food grade silicone
One of the materials that is most frequently utilized in the food processing sector is food grade silicone. Silicone rubber that has received FDA approval has a number of major advantages, including:
- Temperature-resistant, it can endure temperatures as high as 230°C and as low as -60°C.
- Because it doesn't include dangerous additives like BPS and BPA, it is non-toxic and helps ensure that food is processed safely.
- Silicone rubber is ideal for preventing contamination because of its non-stick qualities, especially in a dirty sector.
- Contains no lead, phthalates, latex, or BPA, making it odorless and food-safe.
- Easy to clean with its smooth and soft surface.
- Does not break, peel or rot, making it the perfect material for eco-friendly products.
Food Grade Silicone Applications
One of the most often utilized materials in the food processing business is FDA food grade silicone rubber, and for good reason. Silicone rubber is widely utilized in the food and beverage industries for the following purposes:
- Gaskets for food processing machinery
- tubing and seals
- Antimicrobial gaskets and seals
- Food grade oven doors and seals
- FDA O-rings
Silicone must follow FDA guidelines in order to be deemed FDA food grade, making it an acceptable material for contact with food. In addition to being waterproof, it must also be chemical and animal fat resistant.
How is Silicone better than Plastic?
We agree, and the FDA has even indicated that silicone's basic components are acceptable for applications involving food. But let's face it: replacing single-use goods with reusable ones is a start in the right way even though silicone replacements alone won't solve our worldwide single-use plastic woes.
Is any silicone food safe?
Many experts and authorities consider silicone completely safe for food use. For example Health Canada states: "There are no known health hazards associated with use of silicone cookware. Silicone rubber does not react with food or beverages, or produce any hazardous fumes."
What is the difference between silicone and food grade silicone?
The hardness and elasticity of food-grade silicone are excellent. When compared to standard silicone goods, which are easily distorted and have a rough texture to the touch, they are harder to permanently deform by the action of an external force.
Can food grade silicone go in the oven?
Baking and cooking may be done safely with food-grade silicone. Since silicone is made of inert substances, none of the components used to make it will leak into the food that is being cooked in it.
Is food grade silicone FDA approved?
The temperature range for food-grade silicone that has received FDA approval is -80°F to 450°F. Silicone is flexible at low temperatures and retains its integrity at high temperatures. Flexibility: In terms of mechanics and cleanliness, the food processing sector is one of the most demanding.
What is food grade silicone good for?
Food-grade silicone spray applications
In the molding and mold-making industries, it can be employed as a release agent. It can be applied on seals and gaskets for tank closures as a releasing agent. Additionally, it prevents squeaks, waterproofs surfaces, and extends the life of rubber components in food processing and packaging machinery.
What temp does food grade silicone melt?
With the correct temperature, silicon melts. To be precise, 1414 °C (2577.2 °F). Because of the strong interatomic interactions (covalent bonds), it has a high melting point.
How do you disinfect food grade silicone?
One of the simplest and most popular ways to sterilize medical-grade silicone is using rubbing alcohol. This will eliminate any germs that could be present and any dust or other small particles.