FDA
FDA O-Rings and seals for food and dairy
Since the FDA has strict standards in place for materials that can come in contact with consumables, compounds used to make food-grade rubber must comply with the FDA.
Materials that are part of the food supply chain can significantly influence food safety. Seals for these industries are required to withstand the speed and abrasive demands of continuous operation, while also consisting of FDA-compliant materials for chemical compatibility and non-toxicity.
FDA O-Rings proposed for use by the food processing sector are often required by law to consist only of compound ingredients determined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be safe for food contact. Materials that meet these standards can be stated as FDA compliant.
FDA compliant rubber materials
- FDA materials are used for food, beverage, meat, milk or food-compliant chemicals.
- They are odourless, tasteless and offer natural resistance to bacteria build-up.
- FDA compounds provide reliable service across a wide temperature range.
- FDA materials are non-toxic, non-marking and non-allergenic.
Common FDA seal materials
Seals that have met FDA white list requirements have been primarily produced from Silicone, Nitrile, Fluorocarbon, Ethylene Propylene and Neoprene.
Silicone
Silicone offers a range of properties including thermal stability, low chemical reactivity and low toxicity. It also has heat-resistant properties. Silicone allows for longer service life and has one of the widest operating temperature ranges from -55°C to +225°C. Special low temperature compounds are available which can seal down to -80°C.
Using food-grade silicone is a practical way to help ensure foreign substances do not contaminate foods. Silicones are used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical applications, cooking utensils and insulation.
Fluorocarbon (Viton® / FKM)
Fluorocarbon combines high temperature resistance with strong chemical resistance. It is nearly invisible under water and does not absorb it. The working temperature range is -25°C to +205°C.
Fluorocarbon is commonly used in aircraft engines and seals for automotive fuel handling systems. These O-Rings should be used in mechanical devices requiring optimum resistance to elevated temperatures and fluids.
Nitrile
Nitrile is the seal industry’s most widely used and economical elastomer, combining excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels, hydraulic fluids and high abrasion resistance. With hardness from 40 to 90 Shore A, standard compounds range from -35°C to +110°C.
Uses range from oil-resistant applications of all types to off-road equipment and low-temperature military uses. Nitrile performs well in oil rigs, automotive and marine applications, aircraft hoses, seals and gaskets.
EPDM
EPDM rubber is used in applications that demand both flexibility and ruggedness. Made from odourless and tasteless compounds, it can be used in both specialty and general purpose applications. It is ideal for temperature ranges of -40°F to 250°F.
EPDM is often used in the food and beverage industry, automotive products and HVAC parts.
Neoprene
Neoprene has a smooth finish, good resistance to abrasion and repels oily and greasy food products. It was one of the earliest synthetic materials developed as an oil-resistant substitute for natural rubber.
Neoprene is widely accepted as a preferred material for refrigeration seals and has several uses in the transport and automotive sector. Neoprene seals are used for under-the-hood and under-body parts that require a reasonably priced polymer with a strong balance of performance properties.
Eastern Seals FDA material supply
It is important to purchase FDA O-Rings from a reputable company who understand both FDA regulations and your application due to the critical nature of food grade materials. Eastern Seals’ industry experience and extensive catalogue means we can source a range of quality FDA compliant compounds to suit your specific application.
Eastern Seals supply a range of standard and specialist FDA materials, including:
- Silicone FDA compliant compounds.
- Nitrile FDA materials.
- Viton® / FKM FDA compliant compounds.
- Low Temperature FDA materials.
- Metal detectable FDA compounds.