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
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:
Caso: 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.
Sin embargo, 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 BAOUWU 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.
Numerosos estilos de acabado para sus bobinas y láminas de acero inoxidable
Servicio completo de procesamiento de metales especiales
Nos comprometemos a brindar a nuestros clientes el mejor servicio y de la más alta calidad para garantizar su satisfacción.
Corte de precisión
Corte de longitud personalizada
Cizallamiento
Recorte de bordes
Producción en blanco
Pulido de superficies
Nivelación de tensión
Servicios de fabricación
Sanmei Metal combina los recursos de acero inoxidable de China para ofrecerle lo mejor.
Más de 10 recursos de fabricantes líderes de acero inoxidable en China.
El proveedor en el que puede confiar
Certificados por prestigiosas instituciones y comprometidos a adherirnos a los estándares internacionales en todos los aspectos.
Nuestro as: Atención al cliente sincera
La opinión de los clientes es el reflejo más auténtico de la calidad de una empresa.
Ella es una amiga confiable y socia comercial.
"La Sra. Paige es una socia de negocios desde hace mucho tiempo y me suministra muchos productos diversificados. Tiene la capacidad de suministrar cualquier producto, es decir, productos terminados, materias primas, maquinaria, repuestos y también materiales de embalaje. Siempre mantiene la calidad, el precio y la puntualidad en el cumplimiento de los pedidos. Es una buena amiga con la que se puede avanzar con confianza para mejorar cualquier negocio. Le deseo buena suerte".
Señor xxxpesebre xxx
Comience su viaje sin preocupacionesHe descubierto que ella es una de las personas más abiertas y apasionadas.
He trabajado con la Sra. Paige en numerosos acuerdos para nuestras respectivas empresas. En su momento, descubrí que era una de las personas más abiertas y apasionadas. Su trato es impecable, con una gran coordinación y capacidad para resolver problemas. Siempre puedes confiar en que te ayudará y te brindará el mejor apoyo. Puedo decir con confianza que conseguí una buena amiga y espero seguir colaborando con ella en el futuro.
Señor xxxpesebre xxx
Comience su viaje sin preocupaciones
Spanish 
Russian 
English 
Korean 
Portuguese 
German 
Kazakh 
Arabic 
Turkish 
Indonesian