Food grade is a term you will come across often at Qseals. It means that materials may come into contact with food, drinks and pharmaceutical products without affecting their quality or safety. Do you supply installations or products for the US market? Then you will be dealing with the FDA: the authority in the United States that decides which materials may come into contact with food.
What is the FDA?
The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) is the US government agency that oversees the safety of food, medicines, medical devices and cosmetics. The FDA sets out its requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21 (21 CFR). For seals, the rules for materials that come into contact with food matter most. For example, 21 CFR 177.2600 describes the requirements for elastomers, such as the O-rings and bellows in a mechanical seal, and 21 CFR 177.1550 sets the requirements for PTFE and other fluoropolymers. A material that meets these rules is called FDA compliant.
Why does the FDA matter so much?
For the US market, FDA compliance is often a hard requirement. That applies not only to the end product, but also to the parts of the machines used to make it. Think of pumps, mixers and agitators in the food, dairy, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. A mechanical seal sits right in the middle of the process and comes into direct contact with the medium. If the materials of a seal do not meet the FDA requirements, an installation can be rejected and your production is delayed. Different rules apply in Europe: there, EC 1935/2004 is the starting point for materials that come into contact with food. Do you supply both Europe and the United States? Then it makes sense to choose materials that meet both.
FDA-compliant materials at Qseals
A mechanical seal is made up of several parts: secondary seals such as O-rings, the seal faces and the metal parts. At Qseals we supply all of these parts in an FDA-compliant version, so you can match the complete seal to your medium and your process.
Elastomers and O-rings
PTFE and FEP-encapsulated O-rings
Seal faces
Metal parts
Let us know in your enquiry that you need an FDA-compliant version. We will then make sure the right materials are used in your seal.
Food grade mechanical seals from Qseals
Looking for food grade seals? Take a look at our extensive range of mechanical seals. Qseals has a very diverse range and a suitable solution for almost every application, from component seals and cartridge seals to compressor seals. Need something specific? In our factory in Wezep we make custom seals and parts, using the materials that suit your process and regulations. Our experienced technical specialists are happy to help you choose the right materials.
Want to know which version is FDA compliant for your application? Contact us or request a quote straight away.
