FDA Compliance VS. NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 Certification

Sheet rubber product offerings can seem mind-boggling when you are trying to find products for unique applications. Most rubber manufacturers have a catalog that is so vast, it is almost overwhelming. At times some applications may seem similar, but should not be confused. One common misconception is that FDA compliant products and potable water products are interchangeable.

FDA Compliance

The Federal legislation that covers indirect food additives for rubber products is FDA Code of Federal Regulation Title 21 (FDA 21 CFR 177.2600): “Rubber articles intended for repeated use may be safely used in producing, manufacturing, packing, processing, preparing, treating, packaging, transporting, or holding food, subject to the provisions of this section.”

CFR 21 FDA 177.2600 is essentially a list of permitted base elastomers and vulcanization materials. The materials on this list are used in rubber production and are considered safe. Our FDA compliant products are manufactured using only FDA ingredients. All of our FDA products are tested by an independent accredited laboratory. 

FDA compliant products are required in applications such as gaskets, countertops, non-slip pads, and skirting used in food processing. You can also find FDA rubber products in butcher shops, pharmaceutical processing, commercial kitchens, hospitals, food processing plants, the cosmetic industry, industrial plants, and grocery stores. American Biltrite offers food grade products in nitrile (NBR), ethylene propylene diene (EPDM), natural rubber (NR), and neoprene/polychloroprene(CR). Our nitrile product AB-366 is also compliant with Dairy 3A Sanitary Standards, a safe option for milk production applications and food processing.

NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 Certification

NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 61 certified products are a safe solution for potable water applications. American Biltrite offers AB-576, NSF/ANSI CAN 61 Certified EPDM that also meets the NSF 372 lead content rule, to ensure components like gaskets and seals do not leach any harmful contaminants. This certification was obtained from extensive product testing and implies multiple audits by NSF International in our manufacturing facility to ensure product safety. Forty-nine U.S. states and eleven Canadian provinces/ territories have requirements for products to comply with NSF/ANSI/CAN 61.

For the purest drinking water, and to comply with all state and federal legislation- the choice is clear.

We Are Here to Help

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call us for product selection assistance and technical advice. Our experienced team members are always ready to answer your questions!

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