Silica gel is a synthetic polymer material composed of silicon and oxygen atoms connected by silicon-oxygen bonds. It has high elasticity, high temperature resistance, chemical corrosion resistance and good insulation properties. It is widely used in various fields, such as making seals, electronic products, medical equipment, etc. Food-grade silicone refers to silicone materials that have undergone strict testing and certification and comply with food safety standards. It does not contain substances harmful to the human body, does not release toxic substances or odors, and has excellent high temperature resistance and food contact safety. Therefore, food-grade silicone is often used to make food containers, baking tools, baby products and other products that come into contact with food. Food-grade silicone usually has the characteristics of high temperature resistance, softness, easy cleaning, etc., and will not affect food.
Color: Pure silicone is usually transparent or translucent, while food-grade silicone is often transparent or has a light color, such as white or light pink. If the product has bright colors or other obvious colors, it may mean that other materials have been added.
Odor: Pure silicone and food-grade silicone usually have no obvious odor. If a product is irritating or smells bad, it may be because of other chemicals added to it.
Texture: The silicone texture is soft and elastic and can bend and deform easily. If the product is hard and difficult to bend, it may contain other materials or be mixed with hardening additives.
Temperature: Pure silicone and food-grade silicone have good temperature tolerance and can withstand higher temperatures without deforming or releasing harmful substances. If the product deforms under high temperatures or releases odor, it may contain other low-quality materials.
Check labels and certifications: Look on the product packaging to see if there is any information about the material’s composition. Some food-grade silicone products may be labeled "food grade" or "food safe". In addition, some manufacturers will provide relevant certification or test reports to prove the food contact safety of their products.
Understand sales channels and brand reputation: When choosing to purchase products, you can choose brands with a good reputation or reliable sales channels. This increases the chances of purchasing pure silicone or food-grade silicone products.
However, it should be noted that without professional testing equipment at home, it is impossible to conduct rigorous testing and identification of products. If you need to determine whether a product is 100% silicone or food grade silicone, it is best to consult the product manufacturer or seek professional laboratory testing. They can provide more accurate and reliable information.
