FDA vs LFGB for Tableware: What Buyers Must Verify

Buyers often ask for an “FDA certificate” or “LFGB certificate,” but those phrases can hide important differences. FDA refers to the U.S. regulatory system for food-contact substances and intended uses. LFGB is Germany’s Food and Feed Code within a wider EU food-contact framework. Neither phrase is a universal passport that makes every product from a factory compliant.

FDA vs LFGB: Practical Comparison

Question	U.S. / FDA route	Germany / EU route
What is it?	A U.S. legal and authorization framework for substances used in contact with food.	LFGB is German law; EU-wide framework and material-specific rules also apply.
Is there one certificate for all tableware?	No. Evidence depends on components, authorization status, intended use and product type.	No. Compliance depends on the finished article, material, use conditions and applicable EU/German requirements.
What should the buyer obtain?	Material and supplier documentation plus relevant test evidence tied to the finished SKU and use.	Declaration and supporting test evidence where applicable, tied to the finished SKU, formulation and use.
Can one report cover every variant?	Only when the scope and worst-case rationale support it.	Only when the scope and worst-case rationale support it.

What “FDA Compliant” Should Mean in an RFQ

For the U.S. market, start with every component of the food-contact material and its intended use. FDA resources identify authorized food-contact substances and distinguish food types and conditions of use. The relevant evidence therefore changes with the resin, additives, pigments, food type, temperature and contact time. A laboratory report can support an assessment, but the report itself is not a blanket FDA approval of a supplier’s entire catalogue.

What LFGB Means for a German or EU Project

LFGB is the German Food and Feed Code. For products sold in the EU, buyers must also consider Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and other applicable measures. Plastic materials and articles may fall under Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, including requirements related to composition, migration and supporting documentation. Depending on the product and market, sensory testing and national recommendations may also be relevant. The laboratory should define the exact scope rather than applying “LFGB” as a one-line label.

Why “LFGB Is Stricter Than FDA” Is Too Simplistic

The two systems are not a single test with a higher and lower pass mark. They use different legal structures, authorized substances, test conditions and documentation expectations. A product can have evidence prepared for one market and still need a separate gap review for another. The right question is: Does this finished SKU have suitable evidence for its composition, intended use and destination?

How to Review a Supplier Report

Match the sample: model, material, colour, decoration, dimensions and photos must correspond to the product being purchased.
Match the use: food simulant, temperature, duration and repeated-use conditions must reflect the intended application.
Match the market: the cited requirements must be appropriate for the destination country and material.
Check the laboratory: verify the issuer, report number, dates, accreditation scope where relevant and any subcontracted work.
Read limitations: identify exclusions, statements supplied by the applicant and variations not covered by the test.

When a New Test or Gap Review Is Needed

Review the evidence after changes to the base resin, fibre ratio, additive, pigment, printing ink, coating, supplier, wall thickness, use temperature or target market. A new shape may be covered only if the laboratory or compliance specialist can justify it using the existing worst-case sample. Do not make that assumption inside a sales quotation.

Documents to Put in the Purchase File

Approved product specification and bill of materials or controlled formulation reference
Supplier declarations for food-contact components
Finished-product test report and clear sample linkage
Target-market compliance statement or declaration where applicable
Approved colour, decoration and packaging references
Change-control agreement and retained production sample

Official Reference Points

Buyer Takeaway

Do not choose between two logos. Define the SKU, formulation, use conditions and market first; then ask a qualified laboratory or compliance specialist to build the correct evidence package. Naike buyers can review the site’s testing and certification samples, the detailed LFGB testing guide and the composite chemical-testing guide.