4 Main FDA – Approved Rubber ( or Elastomer ) Materials for Food Grade Seals

Jul 30, 2015 Food Grade Seals

FDA approved seals used in the food processing industry are manufactured with specific materials and processes. These materials comply with strict norms and regulations laid down by the FDA. These materials don’t pose any threat when used in food grade equipment. They are resistant to bacteria build up, are tasteless and odorless. They also feature excellent physical and chemical properties like flexibility and ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures.

Preferred FDA-Approved Materials

These are the four preferred materials used for manufacture of seals used in the food processing industry:

FDA Silicone Rubber

Silicone can be modified to produce a material that is compliant with food processing industry applications. A number of configurations are possible with this material. Temperature Range: – 67 °F to 450 °F

FDA Nitrile (Buna-N) Rubber

This is an extremely sturdy material. For example, it is specifically used in food and dairy applications for suction and discharge functions. Temperature Range: – 40 °F to 212 °F

FDA EPDM Rubber

This material can be used across a wide range of products since it is both sturdy as well as flexible. Specifically, it is used in oil carrying applications. Temperature Range: – 40 °F to 250 °F

FDA Neoprene® Rubber

Generally, this material is put to industrial use. Due to its reliability of function, it is used in applications with prolonged food exposure. Temperature Range: – 30 °F to 220 °F

Using FDA approved seals is integral in dairy, beverages, and food processing, industries. The seals manufactured for the food industry are put through rigorous testing procedures to ensure reliability. Hence, it is important to use seals for your food related applications that have been manufactured by a reliable food grade seal manufacturer.