Of the eight Teflon™ coating properties, nonstick and FDA-compliant may be the most familiar to consumers because of their use on baking pans. But most consumers probably have no idea that that there are 21 FDA-compliant Teflon™ coating systems .

According the FDA website : “It is the responsibility of the manufacturer of a Food Contact Substance (FCS) to ensure that food contact materials comply with the specifications and limitations in all applicable authorizations. When reviewing your composite formulations to determine compliance, consider each authorization to be composed of three parts: the identity of the substance, specifications including purity, or physical properties and limitations on the conditions of use.”

In the simplest terms, FDA compliance means that any material that might contact food is inert and safe for human consumption. Teflon™-compliant systems also offer temperature resistance, release, lubricity, and durability for a multitude of applications such as baking molds, food production, food assembly lines, and packaging lines. FDA-compliant Teflon™ coatings are available in water and solvent based liquid formulations as well as powder.

Official FDA Regulations on Coatings

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulation 21.CFR (and specifically Part 177) governs components of coatings for direct food contact. Each category of the Teflon™ fluoropolymers has coating systems that, when applied correctly according to Fact Sheet instructions, are FDA-compliant. ( Here’s a handy printable list .) When checking the Fact Sheet, check under the “Food Contact” subhead to confirm FDA compliance.

One important thing to note is that when using a multiple coat system, all the components (primer, mid-coat, topcoat) must be FDA-compliant in order for the system to be FDA-compliant. And if your coating is FDA-compliant, it is also technically USDA-compliant, but the USDA requires a special letter from the applicator.

For more information on the USDA compliance process, contact the Intech Services technical team at 302-366-8530.