Can silicone pad steamed?

Recently, the media reported that catering companies in Shanghai used a silicone pad to replace the previous bamboo mat and gauze pad when they cooked steamed bread. After understanding, the reported silicone pad is a rubber product, and the production of food-use silicone pad should comply with “Food Rubber”. Hygiene Standards for Products (GB 4806.1-94).

According to a press conference held by the Shanghai Bureau of Quality Supervision on September 28, only one company in Shanghai currently produces silicone pads for food. Its sample inspection qualified. According to expert risk assessment, food contact silicone products that meet the relevant national standards can be reused under the temperature range of -40°C to 180°C. However, after repeated use, if it changes its appearance or physical properties, it should be replaced in time.

Shen Weimin, deputy director of the Shanghai Bureau of Quality Supervision, disclosed that after investigating and finding out, he did not find that the only manufacturer of silica gel pads used in food production in Shanghai used non-food silicone raw materials to produce silicone pad for food. The products were sent to the city for testing of food and medicine packaging materials. The test showed that the sample was in line with the "Hygienic Standard for Food Rubber Products" (GB 4806.1-94).

For the public concerned about the use of silica gel pads for food repeatedly in high temperature whether there is a safety risk, Shen Weimin said that food silicone rubber products are widely used in daily life, such as infants and young children's pacifier, pressure cooker gaskets. Silicon rubber products for food production should meet the "Hygienic Standards for Rubber Products for Food" (GB 4806.1-94). However, this standard does not limit the scope and temperature of silicone rubber products used for food, nor does it stipulate the term of use of silicone pads for foods. When cooking steamed buns, does the silica gel pad be used repeatedly under high temperature? Are there safety risks? The Bureau of Quality Supervision has organized Experts conducted safety assessments.

The evaluation conclusions are as follows: First, according to relevant scientific literature, silicone products for food contact in accordance with relevant national standards can be reused under the temperature range of -40°C to 180°C; secondly, the silicone pad for foods is found to be reused when it is repeatedly used. Changes in appearance or physical properties, such as swelling, discoloration, surface stickiness, increased hardness, reduced elasticity, etc., should be promptly replaced.

At the same time, the Shanghai Bureau of Quality Supervision also organized inspections of 60 companies that may be involved in the production of food-use rubber products in the city. Five of them produced rubber products for food. After sampling eight batches of products on the spot, they were found In line with the "Hygienic Standard for Food Rubber Products" (GB 4806.1-94). During the inspection process, some companies found that there were incomplete claims for raw materials, and the Bureau of Quality Supervision had also requested that it strengthen the management of raw materials.

Shen Weimin stated that Shanghai Quality Supervision Bureau welcomes the general public and food-related product employees to actively report violations of non-food contact materials or abuse of food-related product additives to the production of food-related products in 12365 complaints. The supervisory bureau will investigate and deal with severe cases in accordance with the law, and in accordance with relevant regulations, reward the reporter.