FDA Approved O-Rings

FDA O-ring & Seal Materials:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a list of rubber compounding ingredients which tests have indicated are neither toxic nor carcinogenic. Rubber compounds produced entirely from those ingredients and which also pass the FDA extraction tests are said to "meet the FDA requirements". The FDA does not approve rubber compounds. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to compound food grade materials from the FDA list of ingredients and establish whether they pass the necessary extraction requirements.

What is FDA, 3A, & NSF?

FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 lists approved chemicals for rubber compounds, which helps provide compounds that are safe for food contact and are odorless and tasteless. These materials must also be able to withstand the harsh environments of food applications, including extreme temperatures, chemicals, water and steam.

The FDA provides two categories for individual food types with rubber compatibility. The Class I category designates foods, including edible oils, butter, milk and milk based products and cooking oils. Rubber compounds that meet these requirements are also compliant with foods in Class II. The second category, Class II, pertains to foods that do not contain edible oils or milk products. Water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and other aqueous solutions are typical Class II environments.