Is the Food Grade Stainless Steel You Buy in China Really Food-Grade?
What is Food-Grade Stainless Steel? What Are the Differences Between Standards?
Standard | Region | Main Requirements |
China | Specifies the leachability of elements like lead, chromium, and nickel but does not mandate steel grades. | |
USA | Must meet NSF/ANSI 51 standards, with strict restrictions on heavy metal leaching. | |
EN 10088 (EU) | EU | Uses LFGB testing, requiring low migration of metals and more stringent acid tests. |
JIS G4305 | Japan | Strictly controls material purity and mandates a nickel content of ≥8%. |
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.
Why Food-Grade Stainless Steel Matters: Applications Across Various Domains
Applications of Food Stainless Steel
Stainless steel cooking equipment, such as pots, toasters, and grills, should primarily be non-toxic and safe for food contact. Additionally, performance factors like corrosion resistance, high-temperature tolerance, and ease of cleaning and maintenance are crucial for high-quality kitchenware.
304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, 309S, and 310S stainless steel grades are known for maintaining excellent performance in high-temperature environments and resisting rust, making them ideal for manufacturing various cooking equipment.
- 304, 304L: These grades offer excellent corrosion resistance and heat resistance, making them widely used for manufacturing stainless steel pots, toasters, coffee makers, grills, steam baskets, frying pans, blenders, BBQ grills, and ovens.
- 316, 316L: These grades provide better corrosion resistance in saline environments, making them suitable for stainless steel utensils that come into contact with salty or acidic foods.
- 430: Known for its good formability and oxidation resistance, 430 stainless steel is commonly used for making pots and other cooking utensils, although its corrosion resistance is slightly lower than 304.
- 321: Containing titanium, 321 stainless steel offers good corrosion and oxidation resistance, especially suitable for high-temperature environments like pots, baking trays, and ovens.
- 309S and 310S: These grades have excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance and are suitable for high-temperature environments, such as ovens and BBQ grills.
Stainless steel kitchen furniture and appliances must not only meet requirements for corrosion resistance and high strength but also be aesthetically pleasing as display furniture. Additionally, easy cleaning and maintenance are essential in the grease-laden kitchen environment.
304, 304L, 409, 430, 2205, 2207, 436, 439, and 441 stainless steel grades possess excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and can maintain an attractive appearance, making them suitable for manufacturing kitchen furniture and appliances.
- 304, 304L: Widely used for making stainless steel range hoods, kitchen sinks, refrigerators, tables, bars, countertops, and workbenches.
- 430: Due to its magnetic properties and lower cost, 430 stainless steel is also commonly used for kitchen furniture, though it requires regular maintenance to prevent corrosion.
- 441, 409: These grades offer good high-temperature resistance and oxidation resistance, making them suitable for range hoods and exhaust fans.
Stainless steel used in food storage containers and utensils must not react with food. Additionally, these containers need high corrosion resistance due to additives in some foods. Easy cleaning is also a significant advantage for these materials.
- 304, 304L: Suitable for manufacturing stainless steel containers, barrels, filters, mixing bowls, and strainers.
- 316, 316L: These grades perform better in more severe environments, making them ideal for storing acidic foods. They offer excellent corrosion resistance and hygienic properties, making them suitable for food containers and utensils.
Stainless steel used in cutlery and drinkware must have good hardness and wear resistance, especially for knives, where high hardness and strength are essential. For modern consumers, cutlery and drinkware are not just containers but also decorative items that enhance the aesthetic appeal of their collection.
- 304, 304L: Used for making stainless steel drinkware, water dispensers, kettles, cups, cutlery, and utensil racks.
- 410, 410S, 420J1, 420J2: These grades have high strength and good wear resistance, suitable for manufacturing various knives, cutlery, and drinkware.
- 430: Suitable for lower-cost stainless steel cutlery and drinkware.
Is Food-Grade Stainless Steel in the Chinese Market All Reliable?
❌ Common Cases of Substandard Products
Even if products are labeled “304” or “food-grade,” there are still risks involved:
Case: 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.
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.
- CASE C: 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.
How to Ensure That the Food-Grade Stainless Steel You Purchase is Legitimate?
✅ 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
- Magnetic Test
304 stainless steel is non-magnetic (may have weak magnetism after cold working), while 201 is clearly magnetic. - Lemon Acid Test
Drop lemon juice on the surface and leave it for 24 hours. Inferior steel will rust. - XRF Spectrometer
Used to measure nickel content; cost is around 50 RMB per point.
Conclusion: How to Ensure the Food-Grade Stainless Steel You Purchase in China is Really Food-Grade?
- 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.)
- Third-Party Re-Testing: Validate the material composition through agencies like SGS or TÜV.
- 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: Your Reliable Supplier of Food-Grade Stainless Steel
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.
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