With the rapid development of 3D printing technology, its application in food industry is also increasingly extensive, such as food molds, tableware, food contact appliances and so on. However, whether 3D printing materials meet the food safety standards has become one of the key factors that affect their wide application in the food field. Therefore, obtaining food-grade certification is a necessary condition for 3D printing to enter the food industry.

Food-grade certification means that products will not release harmful substances and will not affect the smell, taste or color of food during contact with food, thus ensuring the health and safety of consumers. Different countries and regions have different regulatory standards for food contact materials, among which the more authoritative ones are the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certification, the EU REACH regulation and the German LFGB standard.

First, choose the appropriate food-grade materials

The first step in food-grade certification is to select raw materials that meet food safety standards. At present, there are 3D printing materials specially used in food applications, such as food-grade PLA, PETG, nylon (such as PA12) and so on. These materials do not contain harmful additives, such as plasticizers and heavy metals, and have good temperature resistance and chemical stability.

Two, the food safety test of materials and finished products.

Before obtaining the certification, a series of food safety tests should be carried out on 3D printed products, including:

1. Migration test: detect chemicals in materials that may migrate to food, such as heavy metals, plasticizers and organic volatiles.

2. Microbial detection: ensure that the product will not breed bacteria or mold and meet the hygiene requirements.

3. Temperature resistance test: verify the stability of the product in high temperature environment, such as whether it is suitable for microwave oven or dishwasher.
　　4. Sensory test: confirm that the product will not have adverse effects on the taste, smell and appearance of food.
　　Third, apply for certification and submit information
　　According to the target market, enterprises need to submit applications and related materials to the corresponding certification bodies. Taking FDA certification as an example, applicants need to provide documents such as material composition, production process, test report, etc., and can be recognized only after passing the examination. The EU market needs to comply with (EU)No 10/2011 and other regulations, and pass the compliance assessment of REACH regulations.

Four, continuous quality control and review

Obtaining food-grade certification is not a once and for all process. Enterprises need to establish a sound quality management system, conduct regular product sampling, and re-apply for re-examination after the expiration of certification to ensure that licensed products always meet food safety requirements.
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With the improvement of consumers' awareness of food safety, the certification of food-grade 3D printing products is particularly important. Only through strict standards and processes to ensure the safety of 3D printed parts in contact with food can we really promote the in-depth application of this technology in catering, baking, food packaging and other fields. For enterprises, arranging food-grade certification in advance is not only a compliance requirement, but also an important means to enhance product competitiveness.