FDA-Approved O-Rings for Food Contact Applications
FDA - what is it?
FDA (from English Food and Drug Administration) is the Food and Drug Administration, which has defined strict standards and requirements for products used in contact with food and drinking water. It is responsible, among other things, for ensuring safe, healthy and hygienic food, medicines, and medical devices.
In the case of seals and sealing devices that come into contact with food, the FDA limits the chemical composition of rubber compounds to approved chemical substances.
Materials approved by the FDA
Materials recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as safe for the food industry are characterized by chemical compatibility, durability and resistance. Commonly used materials include:
Silicone (VMQ / MVQ)
Silicone O-rings in food applications withstand extreme temperatures (temperature range: from -60 °C to +225 °C). Moreover, silicone seals do not produce taste or odor, can be sterilized, which is why they are widely used in food and pharmaceutical production. In addition, silicone sealing rings have excellent resistance to heat, ozone, corona discharge (electrical discharges caused by ionization of a liquid or gas). Silicone rubber O-rings are resistant to staining, many oils, chemicals, solvents. VMQ / MVQ O-rings also retain flexibility at low temperatures.
At Power Rubber we supply silicone O-rings (VMQ / MVQ) with Food and Drug Administration certification. Our products perform excellently on food and beverage production lines, as well as in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
Nitrile (NBR)
Sealing rings made of NBR rubber, also known as Buna-N. In the product range of the rubber goods manufacturer Power Rubber you will also find NBR O-rings, which have excellent abrasion resistance and high tensile strength. NBR is an FDA-grade material that performs very well in applications that come into contact with oil or fat. In addition, NBR food-contact seals are resistant to high temperatures, which for hardness from 40 to 90 Shore A range from -35°C to +110°C. The rubber compound shows excellent impact resistance and also retains its elasticity during various cooling and heating cycles (e.g., in dairy processing). NBR O-rings are used in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic processing.
EPDM
EPDM O-rings are known for their excellent chemical resistance. Choosing the right O-ring is crucial, so if you are looking for a seal that performs well in steam-processing applications in the food industry, EPDM rubber will be a very good choice. Moreover, EPDM circular-section seals are resistant to aging, hot water, steam, and also provide excellent resistance to phosphate esters, greases and oils, sunlight, UV radiation. They are approved for use in food processing, pharmaceutical and cosmetic production. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Neoprene
Neoprene O-rings are impervious to oils, almost impermeable to ozone and resistant to the effects of aging. This type of sealing ring is widely used in refrigeration, in applications related to the transport and storage of food.
Viton / FKM / FPM
O-ring sealing rings made of this type of rubber are characterized by resistance to high temperatures and chemicals, they do not absorb water, so they do not swell excessively. FKM O-rings have excellent resistance to ozone, weather conditions, hydraulic fluids, fuels, mineral oils, and many organic solvents.
FFKM (Kalrez®)
FFKM O-rings provide the best-in-class chemical and thermal resistance and resistance to steam. They provide a longer seal life compared to elastomer products with lower performance. FFKM O-rings perform excellently in demanding applications in the pharmaceutical, food, dairy and biomedical industries.
FEP / PFA in a Teflon jacket
FEP O-rings are O-rings in a jacket coated with a chemically inert Teflon (PTFE) layer. They have a flexible core made of FKM, EPDM or silicone, which is enclosed in a durable FEP jacket that is resistant to most chemicals and solvents. O-rings in FEP capsules can be safely used in applications for manufacturing, processing, preparation, handling, transport and storage of food. The FEP rubber seal is commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
When selecting an O-ring for applications related to contact with food, one should consider not only the material requirements but also the chemical compatibility with the given working medium. Also important are the Shore A hardness and resistance to permanent deformation after compression (compression set), because these parameters affect the durability and effectiveness of the seal in operating conditions.
O-rings used in food processing plants - Basic Information
What does it mean when we say that an O-ring may be approved for contact with food? If a seal is to come into contact with processed food and food products, it must have the appropriate certificates and meet the appropriate standards. The material from which the O-rings are made must not have a negative impact on the food. Seals used by food manufacturers must meet strict cleanliness and quality standards. They must operate across a wide temperature range, be impervious to corrosive chemicals, acids, ketones, steam, etc. Food-grade O-rings are FDA-class O-rings.
It is worth adding that at Power Rubber we have a wide range of rubber compounds from which products (O-rings, rotary shaft seals (simmerings), sheets, cords, etc.) have been made for safe and hygienic contact with beverages and food products. If you have questions or doubts, we will present the appropriate solutions!
FDA O-rings for contact with food - Properties
Compounds used to produce rubber intended for contact with food must meet the strict standards of the Food and Drug Administration. Materials must be chemically compatible and non-toxic. O-rings and seals with FDA certification are:
- odorless
- tasteless
- safe in contact with food and beverages
- resistant to extreme temperatures, chemicals, steam
- provide natural resistance to bacterial accumulation and fungal attack
- resistant to penetration by chemical agents
- non-toxic
- non-allergenic
- non-staining (do not contaminate food)
When purchasing O-rings in our store you can be sure that food will not be contaminated with hazardous substances. Contact us today!
FFKM O-rings with FDA certification can be purchased in the Power Rubber store
FFKM FDA sealing rings are intended to work in the most extreme conditions. They are made of perfluoroelastomer, which combines exceptional resistance to high temperatures with resistance to aggressive media.
In the Power Rubber store we offer FFKM FDA O-rings approved for contact with food, which are one of the best choices in terms of thermal stability and chemical resistance. They feature excellent mechanical properties, making them ideal for demanding environments while providing long-lasting performance and maximum reliability.
They perform excellently in various industrial sectors, including the chemical, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, aerospace and semiconductor industries.
FFKM Karlez® FDA O-rings are available in various sizes and hardnesses. There is also the possibility of custom production. Choose durability and safety confirmed by FDA certification - we invite you to review our offer and contact us.
EPDM, NBR, FEP/PFA in Teflon jacket, FFKM, silicone rubber O-rings - available in the Power Rubber store
It is important to buy FDA O-rings from a reputable company. At Power Rubber we have many years of industry experience, which is why we offer O-rings made of the highest quality materials intended for contact with food in accordance with the rigorous FDA requirements.
We select technical seals according to the type of food substances (which substances the seal comes into contact with: water, acids, fats, etc.), temperature, risk of contamination, groove connections preventing bacterial growth (seamless connections prevent the product itself from accumulating and the development of bacteria). The O-rings have been tested for performance in various conditions and meet strict quality standards. They are excellent for applications that have direct and indirect contact with food.
If you have any questions, please contact us at the phone number: +48 22 292 40 24 or +48 50 51 603 03, or at the email address (power|powerrubber.com| |Power|PowerRubber.com) or via our contact form
