Is Silicone Safe?

Silicones are made from silicon, a naturally-occurring element that is abundant in sand.  However, in order to make silicon available for industrial processes, it's heated to very high temperatures and reacted with hydrocarbons.

In order to make silicone, silicon is turned into siloxane, through an industrial process. There are a number of different siloxanes.  Siloxanes are then bound together into silicones.

Silicones are generally considered safe.  Health Canada states, 'There are no known health hazards associated with use of silicone cookware. Silicone rubber does not react with food or beverages, or produce any hazardous fumes.'

Silicones can include a mix of chemical additives, fillers, and raw material impurities.  Food-grade silicones that are regulated by the FDA should not contain hazardous fillers.  Not all silicone is the same and it is not possible without testing to determine exactly what is in any silicone product.  There are hundreds of silicones with hundreds of different formulas. Some, like colorful cookware, may contain various fillers and contaminants that are completely unknown to consumers. 

1. Do not heat silicone products above 300°C.
2. Always wash silicone products before use with food or beverages.
3. If using silicone baby bottles or nipples, make sure they are phthalate-free.
4. Choose 100% pure food-grade or medical-grade silicone.

As an FDA approved rubber, silicone also has great chemical resistance to many common chemicals and oils that are used in areas where consumables may be handled or prepared. Examples of this are Acetic Acid, Ammonia Gas (hot and cold), Corn Oil, Fish Oil, Lime Sulfur, Methyl Ether, Ozone, Sodium Sulfate, Tartaric Acid, Vinegar, and the list goes on and on. These resistances make silicone ideal for cooking or preparing food because the product will not be tainted or damaged by the oils and greases used.

FDA approved rubber products are used in kitchens, equipment, and machines that are intended for repeated use in contact with food and that are compliant with CFR 177.2600, an FDA regulation that deals specifically with any food grade elastomer. Our FDA approved rubber silicone products meet all of the requirements outlined in this regulation and have all of the outlined characteristics that make this elastomer such an obvious and easy choice for any applications where consumables are present. This food grade elastomer passes all of the tests for large- and small-scale kitchen requirements and explains why silicone is the preferred “go-to” rubber for any commercial or domestic purpose!