Food grade silicone is a type of silicone rubber specifically developed for direct contact with food and drink. It meets strict safety criteria to ensure it does not release harmful substances, even when exposed to heat, cold or repeated use. Because of its stability and resistance to chemicals, it is widely used in bakeware, kitchen tools, food processing seals and transfer tubing.
This blog explains what food grade silicone is made of, how it differs from commercial grades, what certifications to look for and how to identify compliant material. It also covers the advantages of using food grade silicone in both domestic and commercial settings, along with essential maintenance advice.
If you’re specifying silicone rubber for food contact applications, Advanced Materials supplies UK-manufactured, regulatory compliant food grade silicone rubber extrusions with full traceability. To discuss your project or request certified samples, contact our experienced team today.
What Is Food Grade Silicone Made Of?
Food grade silicone rubber is based on the same polymer composition as commercial silicone, but the difference lies in its certification, testing and traceability. Additives or fillers not approved for intended contact with food are excluded.
Differences Between Food Grade and Commercial Silicone
Although food grade and commercial silicone share the same base polymer, there are some essential differences between them. The table below highlights these key distinctions.
| Key differences | Food Grade Silicone | Commercial Silicone |
| Intended use: | Designed for direct contact with food and drink | Used in non-food settings such as mechanical seals or insulation |
| Process: | Material is properly mixed, processed and fully post cured according to raw material requirements (often 4 hours at 200°C) | Can be supplied non post cured for may applications |
| Regulatory compliance: | Certified to FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, EC1935/2004, BfR | Not certified for food contact |
| Chemical stability: | Minimal extractables, suitable for repeated exposure | May contain additives or fillers that are not approved for food contact |
| Material appearance | Available in natural translucent or coloured grades tested against FDA pigment extraction limits, giving customers access to hundreds of compliant colours | Can contain fillers or colourants unsuitable for food contact |
Is Silicone Safe for Food Contact?
Yes, food grade silicone is safe for food contact when it meets regulatory standards, and is properly processed and post cured
FDA Regulations and Certifications
To be considered food safe, silicone must pass tests defined by regional safety authorities. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (21 CFR 177.2600) outlines the specific criteria silicone rubber must meet to be considered food contact safe.
In Europe, food grade silicone is assessed under:
- LFGB (Lebensmittel-, Bedarfsgegenstände- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch)
- BfR Recommendation XV for silicones
- EC 1935/2004, the EU regulation for materials intended to come into contact with food
These frameworks ensure that:
- No harmful substances migrate from the material into food
- The silicone withstands repeated use under real-world conditions
- Traceability and batch control are maintained
How to Tell if Silicone Is Food Safe
To identify if a silicone product is food grade:
- Look for FDA, EC1935/2004 or BfR compliance statements
- Ask for batch traceability and conformity certificates
- Avoid silicone products that contain strong odours, excessive colourants or feel oily, which can indicate contamination or filler use
Benefits of Using Food Grade Silicone
Food grade silicone is chosen for its performance under heat, pressure and cleaning conditions.
Durability and Heat Resistance
Food safe silicone typically handles temperatures ranging from -60°C to +200°C. It remains flexible at low temperatures, doesn’t melt or degrade in normal baking temperatures, and doesn’t crack under repeated bending or compression.
Reusability and Eco-Friendliness
Food grade silicone is built for repeated use in demanding environments, offering a cleaner, longer-lasting alternative to single-use plastics or other materials.
- It withstands repeated use without tearing, warping or degrading
- It remains stable under heat, cold and common cleaning agents
- The material is chemically inert and does not release microplastics or leach substances into food
- Its durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, helping lower material waste
- While not biodegradable, its extended service life supports more sustainable use over time
Common Uses of Food Grade Silicone in the Kitchen
Food grade silicone is used in both domestic and commercial kitchens. Common examples include:
- Baking mats, trays and cupcake moulds
- Spatulas, brushes and whisks
- Ice cube trays and chocolate moulds
- Seals and gaskets for jars, storage containers or appliances
- Tubing for beverage transfer or food dispensing equipment
- Reusable lids, stretch covers and food storage pouches
Each of these items benefits from silicone’s flexibility, heat resistance and cleanability.
How to Maintain Food Grade Silicone: Guidance for Specifiers
If you’re specifying food grade silicone extrusions, you’ll want to ensure the material performs reliably for your end users – especially in environments where hygiene, durability and ease of cleaning are critical.
Food grade silicone supports this by offering:
- Compatibility with standard cleaning and disinfection processes
- Resistance to staining, residue build-up and microbial growth
- High-temperature stability for use with CIP (Clean-in-Place), SIP (Sterilise-in-Place) or autoclave cleaning
- No absorption or substance leaching, even after repeated cleaning cycles
- Optional antimicrobial additives available for enhanced hygiene
When cleaning, avoid sharp utensils or harsh chemical cleaners. Rinse components with distilled water after washing with mild detergent and flush tubing completely.
Store parts between 0-35°C in sealed containers, away from sunlight, flammable substances and reactive chemicals. Yellowing may occur from environmental exposure but does not affect performance.
These properties help operators meet food safety standards while reducing maintenance effort and replacement frequency. This makes food safe silicone a practical choice for long-term use in regulated production environments.
Choosing a Trusted Supplier for Food Grade Silicone
Specifying food grade silicone requires more than checking temperature limits or shore hardness. You need verified compliance, reliable manufacturing and full traceability. Always request a Certificate of Conformity and check that it meets standards such as FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 and BfRXV and EC 1935/2004.
“Compliance depends on more than material choice. You also need control over how it’s manufactured and a clear trail of documentation”
– Villeater Gladman, Technical Director at Advanced Materials.
At Advanced Materials, we manufacture food safe custom silicone extrusions in the UK with full compliance support and over 30 years’ experience supplying regulated sectors.
Contact our team to request certified samples or discuss your specification.
What Makes Silicone Food Safe?
Food grade silicone is defined by more than just its ingredients – it must be certified to standards like FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, BfR XV and EC 1935/2004, and manufactured with full traceability. Its durability, chemical stability and cleanability make it ideal for regulated food applications. To ensure safety and compliance, source from a supplier with proven expertise in extrusion, documentation and material selection.
FAQs about Food Grade Silicone
Can food grade silicone go in the oven or dishwasher?
Yes. Most food grade silicone is rated for use in ovens up to at least 200°C. It is also safe to use in dishwashers and microwave ovens, as it does not degrade or leach substances under typical conditions. Always check the specific temperature range listed by the manufacturer.
How can I test if silicone is food safe?
There is no simple test that guarantees food safety. However, you can:
- Check if it is labelled as FDA compliant
- Contact the manufacturer for certification
- Avoid materials with strong smells, oily residue or fading dyes
Do not rely on appearance alone. Certification is the only reliable indicator.
Is coloured silicone still food safe?
Yes, coloured silicone can be food safe if the pigments used are certified and do not leach substances under heat or pressure. Colours used in food grade silicone must also meet FDA or European standards for food contact. Ask your supplier to confirm pigment compliance and whether it is included in their food contact safety documentation.
Advanced Materials is a leading supplier of silicone rubber extrusions. To find out more about our silicone rubber manufacturing services contact our expert and friendly team on +44 (0)1903 713566 or sales@amsilicones.co.uk