Food Grade Silicone: A Safer, Sustainable Choice for Families
At Brightberry, we understand that mealtime is more than just eating; it's about safety, learning, and fun! We're thrilled to share the ins and outs of food-grade silicone, a superstar material making waves in the kitchen and healthcare sectors for its unbeatable safety and versatility. Here's a rundown of everything you need about this kitchen game-changer.
What is Food Grade Silicone?
Food-grade silicone is a non-toxic, odourless, and tasteless material made from silica, a natural element. Its rise in popularity over traditional plastics, especially in kitchenware and baby products, is due to several key benefits:
- Non-toxic and Safe: Unlike plastic, food-grade silicone does not contain harmful chemicals like BPA, lead, and phthalates, which can leach into food and drinks.
- Heat Resistant: It can withstand high temperatures without melting or warping, maintaining its integrity and releasing no harmful substances.
- Durable and Long-lasting: Resists staining and doesn't degrade quickly, offering a sustainable choice.
- Versatile Use: Microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe, making it incredibly user-friendly.
How Safe is Food Grade Silicone?
Brightberry's silicone tableware meets stringent international standards for food-contact materials. Its chemical stability ensures it doesn't interact with food or beverages and doesn't release harmful gases when heated, making it exceptionally safe for all ages.
Before Your First Purchase: What You Need to Know About Food-Safe Silicone
Before purchasing food-safe silicone products, ensure they are 100% food-grade by checking for certifications like FDA or LFGB compliance. Look for products free from fillers and additives, ensuring the highest safety and quality standards.
Silicone in Baby Products: Why It's the Superior Choice
Silicone's safety, flexibility, and soft texture make it ideal for baby products. It's used in everything from pacifiers and teething rings to spoons and plates. It provides a safe, durable option for parents and comfort for babies. Here's why it's better for your baby:
- Gentle on Babies: Its soft texture is kind to a baby's gums and emerging teeth, making it perfect for teething products.
- Hypoallergenic: Silicone is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for babies with sensitive skin.
- Easy to Clean: Silicone products are easy to clean and safe to use due to their resistance to bacteria and mould growth and their dishwasher safety.
Why is Silicone Better Over Plastic for Babies
Unlike plastic, silicone doesn't contain BPA, phthalates, or other harmful chemicals that could leach into baby food or milk, so silicone products are better than plastic. It's softer and more flexible, gentler babies' gums and new teeth. Silicone is also more durable and resistant to heat, meaning it can be sterilised and reused without breaking down.
Additional Benefits of Food-Grade Silicone
The benefits of food-grade silicone extend beyond its safety. It's eco-friendly, easy to clean, and resistant to odours and stains. Its flexibility and non-stick surface make it user-friendly and perfect for a wide range of kitchen and baby products.
Its inert nature means it doesn't react with acidic or alkaline foods, keeping your food pure and safe.
Why there are Different Global Standards for Food Grade Silicone
The standards for food-grade silicone differ worldwide primarily due to the regulatory bodies that oversee materials in contact with food. In Australia, Europe, and the USA, silicone products must pass specific guidelines and tests to be deemed safe for food contact. It is essential to refer to a guide to choosing silicone baby feeding sets that meet these regulations.
While the E.U. has specific migration limits and regulations, the USA details permissible substances and tests for silicone. Australia follows a more general approach without highly detailed public documentation on silicone specifically.
Europe and the USA have detailed safety criteria, including specific tests for migration limits and extractables. Australia's criteria are less publicly detailed but follow the principle that materials must not transfer harmful substances to food.
Why Choosing Brightberry is A Safe Option
At Brightberry, our approach to safety and quality in baby products is proactive and comprehensive. We recognise the variability in enforcing safety testing standards across the Australian market and choose to exceed these standards by meeting stringent international benchmarks for food-grade silicone.
Starting in 2023, we committed to producing our products exclusively with LFGB-certified silicone—the highest standard globally—to ensure the utmost quality for children. Brightberry tableware is not only certified to meet the FDA's minimum standards, but many of our products have already achieved LFGB German certification, demonstrating our dedication to providing the safest and highest-quality options on the market.
Independent Lab Testing: All our products undergo thorough testing in independent labs for ultimate safety assurance.
Compliance and Safety: Our tableware adheres to strict safety standards, offering parents peace of mind. We ensure that every item meets and often exceeds international safety requirements.
Innovative Design: Our products are designed with a deep understanding of children's and parents' needs, merging safety with creative and practical design.
What Are Some Other Uses for Food Grade Silicone?
Beyond kitchenware and baby products, food-grade silicone is used in medical devices, electronics, and even automotive parts due to its durability and resistance to extreme temperatures and conditions.
Caring for Food-Grade Silicone
To clean your silicone tableware products effectively, remove odour and ensure their durability, follow these simple tips:
Thorough Rinse: It's essential to rinse silicone items thoroughly after use to remove any soap residue, which can prevent the buildup of odours.
Use of Warm Water: Cleaning silicone with warm water can help prevent the absorption of odours. This includes selecting the normal cycle and top rack in the dishwasher.
Proper Drying: Towel-drying silicone items can prevent water spots and maintain their new appearance.
Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaners: Opting for eco-friendly and fragrance-free cleaning agents can help maintain the cleanliness and safety of silicone items without leaving behind residues that could retain odours.
FAQ's
Is food-grade silicone safe for all ages?
Absolutely. Its hypoallergenic and non-toxic properties make it safe for individuals of all ages, including newborns.
Are all silicone products food-grade?
Not necessarily. Look for products labelled "food grade" to ensure safety and quality.
Is Silicone BPA-free?
Silicone is inherently BPA-free, making it a healthier alternative to plastic products, especially for food storage and baby items.
Are Silicone Baby Plates Safe for Microwave Use?
Yes, they are safe for microwave use, ensuring convenience when heating baby food.
Are Silicone Bibs Safe for Babies?
Silicone bibs are safe, durable, and easy to clean. Their soft texture makes them comfortable for babies during meals, reducing mess and hassle for parents.
Can food-grade silicone break down or wear out over time?
While silicone is incredibly durable and long-lasting, its lifespan can be affected by how it's used and cared for. With proper maintenance, food-grade silicone products can last for years without showing significant wear.
What does LFGB certification mean for Brightberry products?
LFGB certification represents the highest standard set by German and European regulations for food contact materials. Products with LFGB certification, like many of Brightberry's offerings, have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they are free from harmful substances, making them exceptionally safe for children's use.
Why does Brightberry choose LFGB-certified silicone over FDA standards?
While FDA standards set essential safety guidelines, LFGB certification requires more comprehensive testing for chemicals and heavy metals, ensuring higher safety. By adhering to LFGB standards, Brightberry ensures that our products are of the highest quality and safety, surpassing even the stringent requirements of the FDA.
What is the difference between FDA and LFGB certifications for silicone products?
The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) sets safety standards that products must meet to be considered safe for food contact in the USA. These standards focus on the purity and safety of materials. The LFGB standard, applied in Germany and across Europe, includes all the FDA requirements and additional stringent tests for chemical safety, making it one of the most rigid standards in the world for food contact materials.
Are all Brightberry products LFGB certified, or do some only meet FDA standards?
Starting in 2023, all new Brightberry products will be made using LFGB-certified silicone. However, our entire range meets at least the minimum FDA standards, ensuring that all our products are safe for food contact and child use.
