Silicone products have been widely used in industrial and personal applications because they are easy to clean, extreme-temperature resistant, soft & comfortable, and non-toxic. However, there are different types of silicone products with different production processes, quality requirements, and production materials.
On the other hand, when we talk about food-grade silicone, it is widely used in the manufacturing of baby pacifiers, kitchen utensils, drinking cups, and many other places. Food-grade silicone is higher in price and quality because it comes in direct contact with human health, as compared to ordinary silicone.
But, how do you distinguish between ordinary silicone and food-grade silicone? Let’s find out.
- Smell:
- Feel:
- Fold in half:
- Certifications and markings:
Choose a silicone product and smell it. If it emits a strong odor, it likely isn't food-grade silicone, as food-grade silicone should have a neutral smell or no odor at all. In some situations, it must be noted that there might be a slight odor of food-grade silicone due to its production process. This odor will evaporate over time with continuous use.
Food-grade silicone is extremely soft and elastic to the touch. It is very difficult to permanently deform food-grade silicone by applying external pressure. Whereas, ordinary silicone is rough to touch and can easily be deformed.
Take the silicone product in your hand and fold it in half or pull it from both ends. If you find white traces in between the product, then it is ordinary silicone; if not, it's food-grade silicone.
Check for markings or certifications that indicate the product is FDA-approved for food-grade silicone. This approval ensures that the product meets all the compliances and standards, making it safe for human use.
Other distinguishing factors
Temperature resistance test, burn test, and professional testing are the other three distinguishing factors between ordinary silicone and food-grade silicone. Food-grade silicone is stable and durable under extreme hot and cold temperatures. The temperature resistance test evaluates the silicone's ability to withstand extreme temperatures without degrading. Performing the temperature resistance test might lead to damage to the product. It is advisable to conduct such tests under the manufacturer’s guidance. For conducting a burn test, first ensure that the environment is safe and controlled. You can heat a small area of the silicone product with a flame. Food-grade silicone should not emit black smoke or odor, and any ash should be white in colour or clean.
Further, professional testing is done in laboratories under the guidance of scientists and experts.
Conclusion
Distinguishing between ordinary and food-grade silicone is crucial for safety and product longevity. While both types are durable, only food-grade silicone meets the rigorous health and safety standards necessary for direct contact with food and human skin. The key differences lie in the quality of raw materials, manufacturing processes, and the continuous testing that food-grade silicone undergoes to meet strict health and safety standards. Ordinary silicone, while versatile and durable, may not always be safe for food-related applications due to potential chemical formulations.
On the other hand, food-grade silicone is designed and manufactured keeping in mind the consumer safety, free from harmful substances, making it an ideal choice for kitchenware, baby products, and other applications where safety is paramount. There are very minimum supreme-quality silicone manufacturers in India, one being Performance Resil. We have a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka. We leverage our extensive R&D team and modern technology in developing high-quality silicone. Whether you're seeking solutions for industrial applications or consumer products, we are equipped to provide the expertise and products you need to succeed.