The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has detailed and strict standards and requirements for the VOC (volatile organic compound) content of silicone in food contact materials. The following is an overview of the German VOC standards and test methods for silicone based on currently available information:
Qualified limit
VOC qualified limit: Currently, the qualified limit for VOC in silicone in Germany is still 0.5% (or 0.5mg/kg depending on the specific expression, but note that this is the same standard under different expressions). This limit is intended to ensure that silicone products do not release too much harmful volatile organic compounds when in contact with food, thereby protecting the health of consumers.
Testing method
Testing method update: The German BfR has updated the testing method for silicone VOC in recent years. The latest test method is called "Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Silicone Products" (Bestimmung von flüchtigen Verbindungen in Bedarfsgegenständen aus Silikon) or similar expressions. This update is intended to improve the accuracy and comparability of test results.
Test conditions:
Baking conditions: The updated test method stipulates that the VOC detection of silicone products no longer distinguishes between usage conditions, and the baking conditions are uniformly adjusted to 200 degrees for 4 hours.
Sample preparation: Three parallel samples are required for each sample test, so the total sample volume is at least 30g. The sample needs to be pretreated before testing, including baking at 100±5℃ for 60 minutes to remove surface adsorbed water, and weighing after cooling in a dryer.
Calculation formula: The calculation formula for VOC of silicone products is VOC(%) = [(MKond - MHT) / (MKond - Mleer)]*100, where MKond is the total weight of the sample and weighing plate after pretreatment, MHT is the total weight of the sample and weighing plate after baking, and Mleer is the weight of the weighing plate after baking.
Standard Updates and Attention
Update Frequency: The German BfR regularly updates its recommendations on food contact materials, including VOC test methods and authorized substance lists for materials such as silicone, rubber, and paper products. Companies should pay close attention to these updates to ensure that their products meet the latest standards.
Compliance requirements: For food contact silicone products exported to Germany, manufacturers must test according to the latest BfR standards and ensure that the VOC content of the product meets the specified qualified limits.