Many overseas buyers who purchase food-grade stainless steel materials or products (such as kitchenware, tableware, and food processing equipment) from China often assume that 304 or 316 stainless steel is automatically food-grade. They believe that as long as the product is labeled “304 stainless steel,” “316 stainless steel,” or “food-grade,” it’s safe. However, the quality of food-grade stainless steel products in China can be inconsistent, with some products being substandard or even misleading. Is the stainless steel you’re buying truly up to food-grade standards? This article will help you identify qualified stainless steel materials and avoid procurement risks.

Food-grade stainless steel refers to stainless steel materials that do not leach harmful substances when in contact with food. Internationally, food-grade stainless steel generally needs to meet the following standards:

China’s Standard vs. International Standards
Although China’s GB 4806.9-2023 specifies limits for heavy metal leaching, it does not require specific steel grades like 304 or 316 to be labeled, unlike standards in the US and EU, which impose stricter material composition and testing requirements. For example:

• Nickel Leaching: The FDA limits nickel leaching from 304 stainless steel to ≤0.1mg/kg, while China allows up to ≤0.4mg/kg.
• Acidic Testing: The EU requires 24-hour pH 5 testing, while China only requires a 2-hour pH 4 test.

In the US and EU, when a material like 304 stainless steel meets the FDA or EN standards, it is recognized as food-grade. So, if your Chinese 304 stainless steel complies with FDA standards, it can be considered food-grade as well.

201 Stainless Steel Posing as 304

Fall: In 2024, CCTV, China Central Television, exposed 19 thermos cups using 201 stainless steel with manganese levels 6 times higher than standard. Prolonged use could lead to heavy metal poisoning.

Hazard: 201 stainless steel contains only 1-2% nickel (much lower than 304’s 8%) and has poor corrosion resistance, making it prone to leaching manganese, chromium, and other heavy metals.

Recycled Materials in Secondary Smelting

Phenomenon: Some smaller factories use scrap steel, leading to excess impurities like lead and cadmium. In 2023, Shandong's Market Regulatory Bureau found that 7.8% of stainless steel products didn’t match their labeled materials.

False Labeling of “Food-Grade 304”

Expert Warning: According to the Institute of Metal Research at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China’s standards do not use “304” labeling for food-grade products. Labels like “food-grade 304 steel” are often misleading.

However, although 201 stainless steel is unsuitable for direct contact with food in high-temperature or strongly acidic environments, it still offers excellent cost-effectiveness when used in items like dining tables.

✅ Choose Reputable Steel Mills and Certifications

Chinese domestic steel mills, including well-known ones, strictly adhere to the GB 4806.9-2023 standard to produce stainless steel products that safeguard consumer health. To expand internationally, top steel mills like BAOWU have also obtained FDA certification for some of their products, laying a solid foundation for entering the U.S. market. Therefore, when selecting suppliers, it is crucial to evaluate the strength of the supplier and the steel mills they are backed by to ensure the products meet food safety standards. 

✅ Key Testing Indicators and Agencies

• Nickel Content Testing: 304 stainless steel should have at least 8% nickel, while 201 stainless steel usually has less than 5%.
• Heavy Metal Leaching Tests: Should pass GB 4806.9-2023 or FDA 21 CFR 175.300.
• Trustworthy Agencies: SGS (official website), TÜV Rheinland (official website).

✅ Quick On-Site Identification Methods

1. Magnetic Test
   304 stainless steel is non-magnetic (may have weak magnetism after cold working), while 201 is clearly magnetic.
   
   
2. Lemon Acid Test
   Drop lemon juice on the surface and leave it for 24 hours. Inferior steel will rust.
   
   
3. XRF Spectrometer
   Used to measure nickel content; cost is around 50 RMB per point.

1. Stick to the National Standard GB 4806.9-2023: While China’s food-grade standards differ from international ones, certification under these standards is an effective way to screen products. When purchasing 304/316 stainless steel, always ask the seller for a complete testing report. (Additional certifications like FDA or NSF are a bonus.)
   
   
2. Third-Party Re-Testing: Validate the material composition through agencies like SGS or TÜV.
   
   
3. Beware of Low-Price Traps: Price wars are common, but they also breed substandard products. If you see a product priced below market value, be cautious and remember the old saying: "You get what you pay for."

Sanmei Metal specializes in supplying high-quality stainless steel materials. Our suppliers include renowned steel mills in China with certifications, such as Baosteel, Taiyuan Steel, and Tsingshan. All our products come with inspection reports to ensure that you are purchasing genuine food-grade stainless steel. If you have procurement needs, feel free to contact us.