Is Rubber a FDA Approved Material?

QUESTION: Is rubber a FDA approved material?

ANSWER: The generally answer to this question is: no, rubber is not FDA approved. However, there is one type of rubber that has a variation the is FDA approved and that is silicone. To be considered “FDA Approved” a material must go through a series of tests to ensure there are no harmful chemicals within its composition. Because certain chemicals can be detrimental to people’s health, the materials that do get approved are closely monitored and inspected before sent out to be sold. For instance, the ingredients of Rubber-Cal’s FDA approved silicone can be found in CFR 177. 2600, an FDA regulation dealing with rubber articles that will be in contact with food.

FDA approved silicone products are generally used for food storage and sealants but can also be used to cook food in. For example, FDA approved silicone molds are available to bake pastries and breads in. Also, silicone molds may also be used as ice trays because they can be in contact with food indefinitely.