Food & FDA

In the EU the baseline is EC 1935/2004 (food contact) and EC 10/2011 for plastics. In the US, FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 for rubber. For dairies and aseptic lines, compliance with 3-A Sanitary Standard 18-03 is often required as well (especially for equipment for the US market or at the customer's request). Tell us about your application and we will recommend the minimum required combination of certifications.

EPDM is the standard for CIP/SIP cleaning — it resists hot water, steam, and alkalis. Choose silicone (VMQ) where a wide temperature range (−60 to +200 °C) and physiological harmlessness matter, for example when filling hot beverages. Note: neither resists mineral oils — for fats and oils choose FKM or FVMQ.

Yes — peroxide-cured EPDM handles CIP alkalis and SIP steam at normal cleaning temperatures. It routinely handles SIP steam at 121–134 °C; for steam above approx. 140–150 °C (depending on the compound), long cycles or aggressive disinfectants, a steam-resistant FFKM grade is more suitable. Service life depends on cycle frequency; replace the rings preventively per the maintenance schedule.

Plain NBR may not carry a food-contact certification, and its additives can migrate into the product. Always use a material with declared food-grade compliance (FDA / EC 1935/2004) and in the colour customary for the facility. On request we also supply a declaration of conformity for the batch.