What is Food Grade Rubber?

Food processing is serious business in America. It takes specially certified materials to handle and package food properly within established guidelines set forth by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Rubber is often the desired material for use in food packaging and preparation applications. However, it cannot be just any rubber. It must be food grade rubber, which is usually an FDA approved silicone product. Rubber-Cal stocks food grade silicone rubber so that food preparation and packaging projects can be completed while abiding by the proper health and safety standards established by the FDA. It is preferred for use as food grade seals and gasketing as well because FDA grade silicone sheet is non-toxic, very flexible, and has a great working temperature range.

Food grade rubber is generally made with higher quality silicone materials. More importantly, they must be considered non-toxic materials and must not leave any resideu when they come in contact with the food content itself. In other words, it is vital that the food grade rubber material itself has no impact on the food it comes into contact with, and simply provides a protective pad. Stringent rules, or codes, were established by the FDA certifying when an elastomer can be classified as a food grade rubber. This is because we all consume food and we should be ingesting safe, non-contaminated edibles. This code, often labeled alongside food grade silicone as 21CFR177.2600, is a set of regulations relating to anything that has to do with agriculture. Food processing falls into this category. The rules regarding food grade rubber are found in Title 21, Section 177.2600 of the Code of Federal Regulations (accessdata.fda.gov).

Silicone – Premium FDA Grade White – 60A – 3/32″ x 36″

• Non-marking white rubber
• Exhibits a fair degree of flexibility
• Moderately resistant to physical indentation
• Has resistance to certain gases, liquids, and chemicals
• Food grade silicone is ideal for use as seals for food packaging and other FDA approved roles

FDA Approved: The FDA has exacting standards about the types of materials that can come in contact with consumables. This is ultimately for our safety. The materials used to make this food grade rubber have been approved by the FDA. Our rubber sheet silicone conforms to regulation 21 CFR 177.2600, which is an FDA regulation that establishes the standards for rubber articles intended for repeated contact with food. Using food grade silicone is a great way to ensure that foreign substances will not contaminate the food.

Great Temperature Range: Silicone rubber is the go-to elastomer for any tasks that involve extreme temperatures. This white rubber material can function in temperatures between -103° F and 500° F. So whether a silicone food grade gasket is used in below freezing temperatures or at extremely high boiling temperatures, it will retain its structural integrity and prevent damage to food material.

21 CFR 177.2600 FDA Regulation

Department of Health and Human Services has published guidelines that detail what elastomers and substances can be used as “components of articles intended for repeated use” with foods and during the production of food materials. Sec. 177.2600 details what rubber materials can be used for recurring contact with food materials. Membranes, rubber sheeting, pads, gaskets and seals used in manufacturing, cooking, fabrication, storing, treating, handling, conveying, transporting or preserving food and food byproducts must be approved by Sec. 177.2600 regulations. Amongst elastomers and rubber products that are approved for use are Acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, Chloroprene polymers, natural rubber and a variety of silicone elastomers. In additions, the 21CFR177.2600 rules also apply to vulcanization materials, agents, accelerators, activators and other ingredients and materials that are used in rubber sheets and when rubber sheeting is produced. FDA approval indicates that the rubber sheets or rubber rolls are nontoxic and when used for direct contact with food, the final product is safe for human consumption.

Silicone – Premium FDA Grade White – 60A – 1/8″ x 36″

Silicone – Premium FDA Grade White – 60A – 1/8″ x 36″

• Non-marking white rubber
• Exhibits a fair degree of flexibility
• Moderately resistant to physical indentation
• Has resistance to certain gases, liquids, and chemicals
• Food grade silicone is ideal for use as seals for food packaging and other FDA approved roles

FDA Approved: The FDA has exacting standards about the types of materials that can come in contact with consumables. This is ultimately for our safety. The materials used to make this food grade rubber have been approved by the FDA. Our rubber sheet silicone conforms to regulation 21 CFR 177.2600, which is an FDA regulation that establishes the standards for rubber articles intended for repeated contact with food. Using food grade silicone is a great way to ensure that foreign substances will not contaminate the food.

Great Temperature Range: Silicone rubber is the go-to elastomer for any tasks that involve extreme temperatures. This white rubber material can function in temperatures between -103° F and 500° F. So whether a silicone food grade gasket is used in below freezing temperatures or at extremely high boiling temperatures, it will retain its structural integrity and prevent damage to food material.

Why Use White Rubber Sheets?

White color makes other hues easy to identify when they are on the white surfacing. White rubber sheets make identifying messy or dirty environments easier and allows for easy cleaning. White rubber sheeting offers feelings of cleanliness, purity, and simplicity. This should not be understated, because if the base color is something other than white, then when used it may not convey the idea of cleanliness or in a virgin and unchanged state. The quality of white surfaces is often described by their intensity to present other colors that appear on top of them. Surfaces appear white when they reflect the full spectrum of light. Even though we have been referring to white as a color in a technical sense, white is not a color, rather it is a shade. In physics, a color is one that has a specified wavelength. Because black and white lack distinct wavelengths, they are not considered colors.

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The Versatile Food Grade Rubber

Although Title 21 mentions a variety of rubber and elastomers, FDA approved silicone rubber is the most versatile elastomer for food-related applications. Silicone is ideal for use as a food grade rubber because it is a non-toxic material. When it comes into contact with food products, it will not contaminate the food with any foreign chemical substances. The non-toxicity assurance makes sure that a rubber sheeting used in food processing is safe by testing it to make sure it meets the FDA guidelines. This confirms that no toxins are formed when the food materials are produced, fabricated, packaged or conveyed in the supply chain. The 21 CFR 177.2600 FDA regulation certifies that all products used in the process of food manufacturing made for human consumption are non-toxic. In addition to being non-toxic, it has almost non-existent levels of odor and taste. These non-contaminating qualities make food grade silicone the perfect material for use as food grade seals or FDA approved gaskets.

FDA compliant silicone is moisture resistant. The moisture resistance means that FDA compliant silicone can resist the absorption and conduction of water or moistness without meaningful deterioration in food grade silicone’s properties. This characteristic is important for materials used in the production of foods since moisture is inherent to most fruits, vegetables, meats, and most other foodstuff. This also helps to prevent harm from other water-borne matters like mold, corrosion, and structural weakening.

It is a mold-resistant and water-repellant material that does not allow for any organic agents to form on it. Another important feature of silicone is its temperature resistance. Since some food production requires heating and cooking food materials, some materials in contact with foods during processing cooking or conveying will need to have a viable temperature resistance. FDA approved silicone has a working temperature range of -80 Fahrenheit to 450 Fahrenheit and some intermittent to 500F.

Silicone – Premium FDA Grade White – 60A – 1/4″ x 36″

• Non-marking white rubber
• Exhibits a fair degree of flexibility
• Moderately resistant to physical indentation
• Has resistance to certain gases, liquids, and chemicals
• Food grade silicone is ideal for use as seals for food packaging and other FDA approved roles

FDA Approved: The FDA has exacting standards about the types of materials that can come in contact with consumables. This is ultimately for our safety. The materials used to make this food grade rubber have been approved by the FDA. Our rubber sheet silicone conforms to regulation 21 CFR 177.2600, which is an FDA regulation that establishes the standards for rubber articles intended for repeated contact with food. Using food grade silicone is a great way to ensure that foreign substances will not contaminate the food.

Great Temperature Range: Silicone rubber is the go-to elastomer for any tasks that involve extreme temperatures. This white rubber material can function in temperatures between -103° F and 500° F. So whether a silicone food grade gasket is used in below freezing temperatures or at extremely high boiling temperatures, it will retain its structural integrity and prevent damage to food material.

Silicone – Premium FDA Grade White – 60A – 1/4″ x 36″

Food Grade Silicone vs. Regular Silicone

Not all silicone variations are safe for cooking and handling food. The difference between food grade silicone and regular silicone can most obviously be found in the composition of each material. Food grade silicone products are made with specific guidelines put into place to ensure that it is safe and non-toxic for cooking and storing food. Regular silicone may have certain chemicals or other compounds that may not be safe to use around food. It is not just the elastomeric compound rather other vulcanization materials, curing agents, accelerators, rubber activators and other ingredients and materials also need to be safe and on the approved list of acceptable materials. In addition, color pigments added to silicone may contribute to the toxicity of silicone that is not food safe. FDA approved silicone must be tested and proved to be 100% food grade. Regular silicone sheets are not recommended for use in cooking, processing, packaging or conveying applications.

Applications for FDA Approved Silicone

Food grade rubber is often employed in applications such as seals and gaskets in areas that require enhanced flexibility. The food processing industry can be physically demanding. The materials used in such applications must be tough, durable, and flexible. Silicone makes great FDA approved gaskets and other various types of food grade seals because it has a low compression set along with superior levels of flexibility and elongation. A low compression set means that the food grade rubber is better able to rebound after physical pressure is applied to it. Both flexibility and elongation are key for tasks that involve food containers because the food grade rubber needs to be flexible enough to cover the dimensional requirements of different types of containers. Additionally, FDA approved gaskets and seals are made using silicone sheet rubber, which can be made to meet custom orders. Beyond its working temperature capabilities, this FDA approved silicone has a range of other properties that make it the most desirable material choice for a food grade rubber. It is available for custom fabrication, which means that it can be cut to exact specifications. This is important in the food industry where a food grade rubber could be used in a variety of different components.

If you need quality food grade rubber for your application, Rubber-Cal has the FDA approved silicone material needed for the job. Our food grade silicone will keep the food contents sealed in your containers safe and ready for consumption, but it will also help you stay well within the legal guidelines mandated by the FDA. Having FDA approved gaskets made of silicone will last longer when exposed to very high or very low temperatures. Even when exposed to such extreme temperatures, the silicone material will not suffer degradation. Keep yourself and others safe with the right kind of FDA-approved, food grade rubber!

Silicone – Premium FDA Grade White – 60A – 1/32″ x 36″

Silicone – Premium FDA Grade White – 60A – 1/32″ x 36″

• Non-marking white rubber
• Exhibits a fair degree of flexibility
• Moderately resistant to physical indentation
• Has resistance to certain gases, liquids, and chemicals
• Food grade silicone is ideal for use as seals for food packaging and other FDA approved roles

FDA Approved: The FDA has exacting standards about the types of materials that can come in contact with consumables. This is ultimately for our safety. The materials used to make this food grade rubber have been approved by the FDA. Our rubber sheet silicone conforms to regulation 21 CFR 177.2600, which is an FDA regulation that establishes the standards for rubber articles intended for repeated contact with food. Using food grade silicone is a great way to ensure that foreign substances will not contaminate the food.

Great Temperature Range: Silicone rubber is the go-to elastomer for any tasks that involve extreme temperatures. This white rubber material can function in temperatures between -103° F and 500° F. So whether a silicone food grade gasket is used in below freezing temperatures or at extremely high boiling temperatures, it will retain its structural integrity and prevent damage to food material.

FDA Approved Silicone FAQs

• Does Silicone Rubber Melt?
  Silicone will fail when exposed to temperatures above its working temperature range. Normally, silicone rubber can handle a temperature range from around -103° F to 500° F. In cold temperatures, food grade silicone remains very flexible. In hotter temperatures, the food grade rubber maintains its form and integrity without suffering any heat-related damage. But how it reacts to above normal working temperatures depends on other considerations like chemical exposure, UV exposure, whether other elements are present, has the rubber been exposed to high temps before, and lots more.

• Is Food Grade Rubber Safe to Eat?
  No, food grade rubber is not meant to be eaten. It is safe for contact with food and beverages, ensuring no harmful chemicals are transferred during use.

• Is Black EPDM Food Safe?
  Standard black EPDM is generally not food-safe unless specifically formulated and certified as food-grade by regulatory bodies like the FDA. There are black silicones that are FDA grade. The pigment does not convey anything about the ingredients.

• Does Food Grade Silicone Leach into Food?
  Food grade silicone is designed to be inert and not leach chemicals into food, even at high temperatures, making it safe for cooking and storage.

• What Sizes is FDA Grade Rubber Sold in?
  FDA-grade rubber is available in various forms, including sheets, rolls, and custom-cut sizes, ranging from thin to thick dimensions depending on the application. We stock the product in popular thicknesses 1/32”, 1/16”, 3/32”, 1/8”, 3/16”, and 1/4” and in 36” wide rolls Our FDA grade rubber can be customized to almost any dimensions for use in a variety of applications.

• What are the Disadvantages of Food Grade Silicone?
  Food grade silicone can discolor over time, retain strong odors if not cleaned well, and is less resistant to cuts or punctures compared to some other materials.

• Why Does Food Grade Silicone Turn Yellow?
  Exposure to high heat, prolonged use, or interaction with certain foods and oils can cause food grade silicone to turn yellow over time.

• Is All 100% Silicone Food-Grade?
  No, not all 100% silicone is food-grade. Only silicone that meets regulatory standards, such as FDA certification, can be considered safe for food use.

• How to Tell If Silicone is Food Safe?
  Food-safe silicone will typically have certifications like FDA-approved or LFGB-compliant listed on the packaging, ensuring it meets strict safety standards.

• Do Chemicals Leach Out of Silicone?
  Properly made food grade silicone used within its working temperature range is non-toxic and does not leach harmful chemicals into food or beverages under normal conditions of use.

Silicone – Premium FDA Grade White – 60A – 1/16″ x 36″

Silicone – Premium FDA Grade White – 60A – 1/16″ x 36″

• Non-marking white rubber
• Exhibits a fair degree of flexibility
• Moderately resistant to physical indentation
• Has resistance to certain gases, liquids, and chemicals
• Food grade silicone is ideal for use as seals for food packaging and other FDA approved roles

FDA Approved: The FDA has exacting standards about the types of materials that can come in contact with consumables. This is ultimately for our safety. The materials used to make this food grade rubber have been approved by the FDA. Our rubber sheet silicone conforms to regulation 21 CFR 177.2600, which is an FDA regulation that establishes the standards for rubber articles intended for repeated contact with food. Using food grade silicone is a great way to ensure that foreign substances will not contaminate the food.

Great Temperature Range: Silicone rubber is the go-to elastomer for any tasks that involve extreme temperatures. This white rubber material can function in temperatures between -103° F and 500° F. So whether a silicone food grade gasket is used in below freezing temperatures or at extremely high boiling temperatures, it will retain its structural integrity and prevent damage to food material.

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