Germany LFGB Certification Food, Tobacco Products, Cosmetics and Other Commodities Management Law

Basic Introduction:

In September 2005, the new German Food and Dietary Goods Act LFGB replaced the Food and Commodity Act LMBG (Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetzbuches). It is also known as the "Food, Tobacco Products, Cosmetics and Other Commodities Management Law". It is the most important basic legal document in German food hygiene management, and is the guideline and core of other special food hygiene laws and regulations. However, there have been modifications in recent years, mainly to match European standards. The regulations make general and basic regulations on all aspects of German food. All food on the German market and all food-related daily necessities must comply with its basic regulations.

Product Range:

LFGB tests are carried out on all materials, including products produced with the latest technology, such as: chrome plating for barbecue grills, temperature resistance testing for Teflon coatings on cooking pans, silicone sealing ring testing in kettles, etc. Commonly involved fields include: ceramics, synthetic plastics, polyvinyl chloride, plasticizers, paper products, leather, textiles, cosmetics, tobacco, etc. The products involved include: toaster ovens, sandwich ovens, electric kettles and other electrical products that come into contact with food; food storage supplies; reinforced glass cutting boards, stainless steel pots and other kitchen utensils; bowls, cutlery, spoons, cups and plates tableware; clothing, Bedding, towels, wigs, false eyelashes, hats, diapers and other hygiene products, sleeping bags, shoes, gloves, watch straps, handbags, purses/wallets, briefcases, chair coverings; textile or leather toys and materials containing textile or Toys for leather clothing; yarns and fabrics for direct use; various cosmetics and tobacco products, etc.

Test Items:

In general, Articles 30 and 31 of the LFGB German Food and Commodity Law include the following test items:

1. Initial inspection of samples and materials

2. Sensory evaluation of odor and taste transfer

3. Plastic samples: test for transferable components and test for leaching out heavy metals

4. Metals: composition and leaching of heavy metals

5. Silicone Resins: Transferable or Volatile organic Compounds Test

6. Special materials: Tested for chemical hazards according to the German Chemicals Act

Other tests included in the regulations include:

1. Detection of certain azo dyes used in daily necessities such as textiles, leather and polyester fibers;

2. Testing of harmful chemicals and heavy metals in cosmetics;

3. Testing for Harmful Components in Tobacco.

Important changes to the new regulations:

• In German law, the implementation of EU Directive No.178/2002 (Food Safety Requirements, Responsibilities of Food and Catering Operators);

• Tobacco is outside the scope of the new LFGB, interim regulations on tobacco will be introduced;

• Expanded prohibition of misleading claims on food-contact materials and commodities;

• No major changes to safety testing of food-contact materials and commodities.