LMBG (Lebensmittel- und Bedarfsgegenstandegesetz) is German Food & Commodities Law. If the test specimen corresponds to the requirement of 30 and 31 LMBG, they can be verified and documented as chemical safe and can be sold in Germany.
In September 2005, LFGB replaced the old German Foodstuffs and Commodities Act, LMBG. The new act contains 11 sections and 73 parts. Part 30 and part 31 of the LFGB generally mirror the basic safety requirement set forth in the EU¡¯s Framework Regulation 1935/2004 for food materials.
¡°Fork & Knife¡± symbol is a food safe logo. If it is displayed on any food-contact articles, it symbolizes the articles have met the German LFGB and European requirements, and they are able to be marketed at Europe. Not only does the labeling raise the consumer confidence, it also increases the marketability of the products in European and German market as well.
Products under scope of LFGB part 30 and 31:
- Food-contact appliances, like toaster, roaster, and water kettles
- Food containers
- Kitchenware, like pots, and chopping-boards
- Utensils, like bowls, spoons, forks, and knives
- Textile, home-textile, fashion accessories, and other personal items
- Toys made with fabrics and leather, or toys contained fabrics and leather
- Handcrafts made with fiber and yarn
- Cosmetics and tobacco
Generally, LMBG 30 & 31 contain the following testing clauses:
- General manufacture and materials
- Sensorial examination: the transfer of smell, taste from product to the food
- Plastic - migration test & extractable heavy metal test
- Metal - composition & extractable heavy metal test
- Specific material-specific test to check the danger of chemical hazard according to German Chemicals Law.
For special cases, it may require to change the test conditions comparable to scheduled application.