FDA-Approved O-Rings for Food Contact Applications

FDA - What is it?

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is the agency responsible for establishing rigorous standards and requirements for products that come into 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 restricts the chemical composition of rubber blends to approved chemicals.

Materials Approved by FDA

Materials recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as safe for the food industry must be chemically compatible, durable, and resistant. Common materials include:

Silicone (VMQ / MVQ)

Silicone O-rings for food applications withstand extreme temperatures (temperature range: from -60°C to +225°C). Additionally, silicone seals do not produce taste or odor and can be sterilized, which makes them widely used in food and pharmaceutical production. Furthermore, silicone rings offer excellent resistance to heat, ozone, and corona discharges (electric discharges caused by ionization of liquids or gases). Silicone O-rings are resistant to discoloration, many oils, chemicals, and solvents. VMQ / MVQ O-rings also retain their elasticity at low temperatures.

At Power Rubber, we provide FDA-certified silicone O-rings (VMQ / MVQ). Our products are ideal for food and beverage production lines, as well as in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.

Nitrile (NBR)

The NBR rubber O-ring, also known as Buna-N, is known for its excellent abrasion resistance and high tensile strength. NBR is an FDA-approved material that works well in applications that come into contact with oil or grease. Furthermore, NBR seals for food contact are resistant to high temperatures, with a hardness range of 40 to 90 Shore A, operating between -35°C to +110°C. The rubber mixture offers excellent shock resistance and maintains its flexibility during various cooling and heating cycles (e.g., in dairy processing). NBR O-rings are used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

EPDM

EPDM O-rings are known for their excellent chemical resistance. If you're looking for a seal for steam processing applications in the food industry, EPDM rubber is an excellent choice. Additionally, EPDM O-rings are resistant to aging, hot water, steam, and offer excellent resistance to phosphoric esters, greases and oils, sunlight, and UV radiation. They are approved for use in food processing, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic production.

Neoprene

Neoprene O-rings are resistant to oils, virtually impermeable to ozone, and resistant to aging. This type of sealing ring is commonly used in refrigeration, as well as in food transportation and storage.

Viton / FKM / FPM

O-rings made from this rubber type are characterized by their resistance to high temperatures and chemicals. They do not absorb water, preventing excessive swelling. FKM O-rings have excellent resistance to ozone, weather conditions, hydraulic fluids, fuels, mineral oils, and many organic solvents.

FFKM (Kalrez®)

FFKM O-rings offer the best chemical and thermal resistance in their class and resistance to steam. They provide a longer sealing life compared to elastomer products with lower performance. FFKM O-rings excel in demanding applications in the pharmaceutical, food, dairy, and biomedical industries.

FEP / PFA with Teflon Coating

FEP O-rings are O-rings coated with a chemically inert Teflon (PTFE) layer. They have a flexible core made of FKM, EPDM, or silicone, enclosed in a durable FEP coating that is resistant to most chemicals and solvents. FEP-capsulated O-rings can be safely used in manufacturing, processing, preparation, treatment, transport, and storage applications for food.

Food Contact Seals - Basic Information

What does it mean when we say that an O-ring is FDA-approved for food contact? If a seal is in contact with processed food and food products, it must have the appropriate certificates and meet certain standards. The material used to make the O-rings must not negatively impact the food. Seals used by food manufacturers must meet strict purity and quality standards. They must work in a wide temperature range and be resistant to corrosive chemicals, acids, ketones, steam, etc. Food-grade O-rings are FDA-class O-rings.

At Power Rubber, we offer a wide range of rubber blends (O-rings, shaft seals, plates, cords, etc.) designed for safe and hygienic contact with drinks and food products. If you have any questions or concerns, we would be happy to offer suitable solutions!

FDA O-Rings for Food Contact - Properties

The compounds used to make rubber for food contact must meet the strict FDA standards. The materials must be chemically compatible and non-toxic. FDA-certified O-rings and seals are:

• Odorless

• Tasteless

• Safe for food and beverage contact

• Resistant to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and steam

• Naturally resistant to bacterial buildup and fungal attacks

• Resistant to chemical penetration

• Non-toxic

• Allergen-free

• Non-contaminating (do not dirty food)

When purchasing O-rings from our store, you can be sure that your food will not be contaminated by harmful substances. Contact us today!

FFKM O-Rings with FDA Certification Available at Power Rubber

FFKM O-rings are designed to operate in the most extreme conditions. They are made of perfluoroelastomer, which combines exceptional heat resistance with resistance to aggressive media.

At Power Rubber, we offer FDA-certified FFKM O-rings for food contact that offer excellent thermal stability and chemical resistance. They feature excellent mechanical properties, making them ideal for demanding environments while ensuring long-lasting performance and maximum reliability.

They are widely used in various industries, including the chemical, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, aerospace, and semiconductor industries.

FFKM O-rings from Karlez® FDA are available in various sizes and hardness grades. We also offer custom manufacturing. Choose durability and safety certified by the FDA - explore our offer and contact us.