1.Can ordinary cold-rolled carbon steel come into direct contact with food?
No. It is prone to rusting and could contaminate food. A surface coating (such as a food-grade organic coating) must be used as a barrier layer, and the coating must comply with food contact certifications such as FDA 21 CFR 175.300.
Non-direct contact parts such as appliance casings and equipment support frames with food-grade coatings.
2.Can cold-rolled stainless steel coils come into direct contact with food?
The material itself is non-toxic, harmless, and corrosion-resistant, and meets national food safety standards such as GB 4806.9-2023.
When choosing, 304 stainless steel is a basic requirement, while 316L containing molybdenum is a higher standard and more suitable for high-salt or acidic environments.
Food processing equipment (mixers, filling machines), conveyor belts, tableware, kitchen utensils, storage containers, etc.
3.What is the core of "food grade"?
Equipment or containers used in the manufacture of food that come into direct contact with food must be made of stainless steel that meets national food safety standards. As emphasized in the search results, 304 stainless steel is the most basic food-grade material, while 316L, due to its superior corrosion resistance, has become the preferred choice for the pharmaceutical and high-end food industries.
4.What are the pitfalls of "ordinary cold-rolled steel sheet with coating"?
While ordinary cold-rolled steel sheets can be coated for food contact, this requires extremely high-quality coatings, and any damage to the coating can lead to rust on the substrate, posing a safety risk. Therefore, in most cases, using stainless steel directly is a safer and more conventional choice. Supplier advice is also worth considering: when selecting food contact materials, first check the markings (e.g., a 304 stamp), second, inquire about the intended use, and third, obtain certification.
5.Why can cold-rolled stainless steel coils come into contact with food?
The material itself is non-toxic, harmless, and corrosion-resistant, and meets national food safety standards such as GB 4806.9-2023.