What is the difference between food-grade silicone and ordinary silicone?

What is the difference between food-grade silicone and ordinary silicone?
There are significant differences between food-grade silicone and ordinary silicone in many aspects, which affect their application areas and safety. Here are several main differences between food-grade silicone and ordinary silicone:

1. Raw materials and ingredients
Food-grade silicone uses high-purity raw materials, strictly complies with national food safety standards, does not contain toxic and harmful substances, and ensures that the product will not cause pollution when in contact with food. The raw materials of ordinary silicone are widely sourced and may contain certain harmful substances, which are not suitable for direct contact with food

2. Production process
Food-grade silicone has strict requirements on the production environment and equipment cleanliness during the production process to ensure product safety and hygiene. In contrast, the production environment requirements of ordinary silicone are relatively loose, which may result in a certain amount of impurities in the product

3. Safety and certification
Food-grade silicone meets food safety standards and can be directly in contact with food. It is used to make kitchen utensils, baby products, etc. They usually need to pass product certification for food inspections such as the US FDA and the EU LFGB. Ordinary silicone may contain harmful substances and is not suitable for direct contact with food. It is mainly used in industries, homes and other fields.

4. Temperature resistance
Food-grade silicone has a wider temperature resistance range and can be used between -40℃ and 200℃, which is suitable for a variety of cooking environments. Ordinary silicone has relatively poor temperature resistance, and the maximum temperature resistance is generally around 150℃.

5. Service life
Due to its pure material, food-grade silicone is not easy to age and has a long service life. Ordinary silicone is prone to aging and has a relatively short service life due to the presence of a certain amount of impurities.

6. Appearance and sensory properties
Food-grade silicone is usually highly transparent and odorless, while ordinary silicone tubes may be translucent and have a slight taste. In addition, food-grade silicone does not change color after being pulled by force, while ordinary silicone tubes will turn milky white after being pulled by force.

7. Price
Food-grade silicone has a relatively high price because of its high raw material and production costs. Ordinary silicone has a relatively low price because of its low raw material and production costs.

In summary, there are obvious differences between food-grade silicone and ordinary silicone in terms of raw material selection, production process, safety, temperature resistance, service life and price. When choosing silicone products, you should choose the appropriate silicone material according to the purpose and use environment to ensure product quality and personal safety.