FDA-Approved O-Rings for Food Contact Applications

What is FDA?

FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is the Agency responsible for setting strict standards and requirements for products used in contact with food and drinking water. It is responsible for ensuring safe, healthy, and hygienic food, medicines, and medical devices.

In the case of seals and sealing devices in contact with food, the FDA limits the chemical composition of rubber mixtures to approved chemical substances.
 

Materials Approved by 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 used in food applications can withstand extreme temperatures (temperature range: from -60°C to +225°C). Additionally, silicone seals do not impart taste or odor, are sterilizable, making them commonly used in food and drug production. Silicone sealing rings have excellent heat resistance, ozone resistance, and resistance to corona discharges. Silicone O-rings are resistant to discoloration, many oils, chemicals, solvents, and maintain flexibility at low temperatures.

At Power Rubber, we supply silicone o-rings (VMQ / MVQ) with FDA approval. Our products are perfect for food and beverage production lines, as well as in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Nitrile (NBR)

NBR rubber sealing rings, also known as Buna-N, offered by Power Rubber, provide excellent wear resistance and high tensile strength. NBR is an FDA-grade material that performs well in applications in contact with oil or grease. NBR seals for food contact are resistant to high temperatures ranging from -35°C to +110°C and exhibit excellent impact resistance and flexibility during various cooling and heating cycles (e.g., in dairy processing). NBR o-rings are used in food processing, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

EPDM

EPDM O-rings are known for their excellent chemical resistance. EPDM rubber seals are resistant to aging, hot water, steam, and provide excellent resistance to phosphate esters, greases, 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 resistant to oils, nearly impermeable to ozone, and resistant to aging effects. This type of sealing rings is widely used in refrigeration, transportation, and food storage applications.

Viton / FKM / FPM

O-rings made of this gum type are characterized by high-temperature and chemical resistance, do not absorb water, and therefore do not swell unnecessarily. FKM o-rings exhibit excellent resistance to ozone, atmospheric conditions, hydraulic fluids, fuels, mineral oils, and many organic solvents.

FFKM (Kalrez®)

FFKM o-rings provide best-in-class chemical and thermal resistance as well as resistance to steam. They offer longer sealing life compared to lower-performance elastomers. FFKM o-rings are perfect for demanding applications in the pharmaceutical, food, dairy, and biomedical industries.

FEP / PFA in Teflon coating

FEP o-rings are o-rings coated with a chemically inert Teflon layer (PTFE). They have a flexible core made of FKM, EPDM, or silicone enclosed in a resistant FEP coating that is resistant to most chemicals and solvents. FEP capsule o-rings are safe to use in food processing, handling, preparation, transportation, and storage applications. FEP rubber seals are widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

O-rings used in food processing plants - Basic Information

What does it mean when we say that an o-ring can be approved for food contact? If a seal is intended to come into contact with processed food and food products, it must have the appropriate certifications and meet the necessary 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 over a wide temperature range, be resistant to corrosive chemicals, acids, ketones, steam, etc. FDA-grade o-rings are o-rings approved for food contact.

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 created for safe and hygienic contact with beverages and food products. If you have any questions or doubts, we will present appropriate solutions!

FDA O-rings for Food Contact - Properties

Compounds used to produce rubber for food contact must meet the strict standards of the Food and Drug Administration. The materials must be chemically compatible and nontoxic. FDA-approved o-rings and seals are:

• odorless
• tasteless
• safe for contact with food and beverages
• resistant to extreme temperatures, chemicals, steam
• naturally resistant to bacterial growth and fungal attacks
• resistant to chemical penetration
• nontoxic
• non-allergenic
• non-staining (do not contaminate food)

By purchasing o-rings in our store, you can be assured that food will not be contaminated with hazardous substances. Contact us today!

Purchase FDA FFKM O-rings at Power Rubber

FDA FFKM sealing rings are designed to work in the most extreme conditions. They are made of perfluoroelastomer, combining exceptional high-temperature resistance with resistance to aggressive media.

At Power Rubber, we offer FDA-approved FFKM o-rings that are one of the best choices in terms of thermal stability and chemical resistance. They exhibit excellent mechanical properties, making them perfect for demanding environments while ensuring long-term performance and maximum reliability.

They are ideal for various industrial sectors, including the chemical, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, aerospace, and semiconductor industries.

FFKM Kalrez® FDA o-rings are available in various sizes and hardness levels. Custom production is also possible. Choose durability and safety confirmed by FDA certification - explore our range and contact us.

EPDM, NBR, FEP/PFA Teflon-coated rubber O-rings, FFKM, silicone - available at Power Rubber

It is important to buy FDA o-rings from a reputable company. At Power Rubber, we have years of industry experience, offering top-quality o-rings made from materials approved for food contact in line with strict FDA requirements.

We match technical seals to the type of food substances (with which substances the seal comes into contact: water, acids, fats, etc.), temperatures, contamination risks, and groove connections preventing bacterial growth (seamless connections prevent the accumulation of the product itself and bacterial growth). O-rings have been tested for performance in various conditions and meet rigorous quality standards. They are perfect for applications with direct and indirect contact with food.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at +48 22 292 40 24 or +48 50 51 603 03, or via email (power|powerrubber.com| |Power|PowerRubber.com) or through our contact form.