FDA food grade silicone is a synthetic polymer derived primarily from silica (sand). It’s widely used in food processing, packaging, and transportation due to its unique combination of safety, flexibility, and durability. This guide combines key information from our previous articles and incorporates additional insights to give a complete picture of FDA food grade silicone—what it’s made of, why it’s used, and where it applies.
What Is FDA Food Grade Silicone Made Of?
FDA-compliant food grade silicone is made from silicon (a naturally occurring element found in sand and quartz) and oxygen, combined with carbon and hydrogen. The result is a flexible, rubber-like material that is safe for food contact and ideal for industrial use in demanding environments.
To meet FDA standards, the silicone must be manufactured without harmful fillers like BPA or BPS. Platinum-cured silicone, in particular, is regarded as a high-purity option due to its enhanced stability and lower potential for chemical migration.
Key Properties and Advantages
● Temperature Resistance: FDA silicone can withstand extreme temperatures, ranging from approximately –60°C (–80°F) to +230°C (450°F), without degrading or losing shape.
● Chemical Resistance: It is inert and highly resistant to chemicals commonly found in food and industrial processing environments such as cleaning agents, oils, and acidic compounds.
● Non-Toxic & Safe: Free from BPA, BPS, and other harmful plasticisers. It does not react with contents during processing or storage.
● Durability: FDA silicone is slow to degrade and resists UV, ozone, and general ageing—key traits for use in machinery and equipment exposed to varied environments.
● Water-Repellent & Non-Stick: Its hydrophobic surface prevents water absorption and aids easy cleaning.
● Antifungal Properties: Naturally resistant to microbial growth, making it ideal for sanitary sealing and barrier applications.
Regulatory Significance
FDA food grade silicone complies with strict U.S. FDA standards for food contact under 21 CFR Part 177.2600. This ensures suitability for applications where it will come into contact with food during manufacturing, handling, or storage. Some materials also meet USP Class VI standards for medical and pharmaceutical use.
Common Applications in Industrial Food & Beverage Environments
FDA food grade silicone is commonly used in:
● Gaskets and seals for food processing and packaging machinery
● Tubing for dairy, beverage, and vending systems
● Heat-resistant seals in ovens and thermal processing units
● Beverage dispensing valves and connectors
● Food-grade O-rings and transfer hoses
● Anti-vibration pads used in transit and machinery setups
These components support critical functions in high-performance equipment used across the food production, transportation, and packaging sectors.
Best Practice: Quality and Safety
● Choose Platinum-Cured Silicone: This is considered the highest quality grade for food contact due to its purity and inert nature.
● Replace When Degraded: Even durable materials degrade over time. Replace components if they show signs of cracking, stickiness, or odour retention to maintain optimal performance.
FDA Silicone Summary
FDA food grade silicone is a flexible, durable, and non-reactive material designed for use in industrial food handling, processing, and transportation. Its resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and microbial growth makes it ideal for critical sealing and tubing components in high-performance machinery. With compliance to FDA standards and optional USP Class VI certification, it offers a trusted solution for maintaining safety and efficiency in food-grade environments.
Silicone Engineering are a leading provider of high-performing FDA food grade silicone solutions fit for use across the food and beverage industry. To find out more about the products we offer please visit our food and beverage page or get in touch.