The U.S. FDA testing for straw cups refers to the requirement that these products, as food contact materials, must undergo safety evaluation and testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before entering the American market. This ensures that no harmful substances migrate into food under normal usage conditions, thereby safeguarding consumer health.
This type of testing primarily conducts scientific validation on the material composition, chemical stability, and potential harmful substance migration levels of straw cups, with particular attention to substances such as bisphenol A (BPA), heavy metals, and plasticizers that may affect infant and young child development.
The core components of the FDA test for straw cups include:
‌1.Overall Migration Test
Simulate the migration of total soluble organic matter from the material to food simulants (such as water, ethanol, oils, etc.) under different temperatures and time conditions to ensure compliance with regulatory limits.
Quantitative detection of known hazardous substances, for example:
Bisphenol A (BPA): Due to its potential to interfere with the endocrine system, the FDA banned its use in baby bottles and sippy cups in 2012.
Heavy metals: such as lead and cadmium, the dissolution amounts under acidic or heating conditions were measured.
Plasticizers (e.g., phthalates): Prevent the release of harmful substances from soft components (e.g., silicone straws) during prolonged use.
3.Classification Test Requirements for Material Composition
Plastic materials (e.g., PP, Tritan, PPSU): Chloroform-soluble extract test shall be performed using distilled water, 8% ethanol, 50% ethanol, and n-heptane as simulation solutions.
Silicone straws: Must undergo sensory testing, volatile matter content testing, and heavy metal detection to ensure absence of odor and toxicity.
4.Label and Compliance Statement
While the FDA does not mandate labeling 'BPA-Free', companies typically voluntarily include this information to boost consumer confidence.Compliant products must provide FDA registration information and test reports to demonstrate compliance with the relevant provisions of 21 CFR.
