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FDA vs LFGB: 5 Critical Differences for Food Tinplate Cans

2025-07-30

We specialize in helping packaging clients meet global food safety standards. Below, we break down the 5 key differences between FDA (US) and LFBG (EU) regulations for tinplate food cans — so you can sell globally with confidence.

Table of Contents ▲
1. Quick Answer
2. 5 Critical Differences Between FDA & LFBG
3. How to Comply With Both Standards
4. Quick Recap

Quick Answer

FDA (US) and LFBG (EU) have 5 key differences for tinplate food cans: coating migration limits, testing methods, labeling requirements, tin content rules, and approval processes — but with targeted adjustments, you can meet both.

5 Critical Differences Between FDA & LFBG

Aspect	FDA (US)	LFBG (EU)
Coating migration limit	Maximum 50ppm (for most coatings)	Maximum 10ppm (stricter for food contact)
Testing method	Uses “worst-case” food simulants (e.g., 4% acetic acid)	Requires 3+ food simulants (covers more food types)
Labeling	No mandatory “food-safe” label (implied by compliance)	Mandatory “food contact material” label (specific wording)
Tin content	No upper limit (as long as migration is low)	Maximum 200ppm tin in food (from coating)
Approval process	Self-certification (client confirms compliance)	Third-party testing required (before market entry)

How to Comply With Both Standards

Use coatings with migration limits ≤10ppm (meets LFBG; exceeds FDA requirements)
Test with LFBG’s 3+ food simulants (covers FDA’s worst-case tests)
Add LFBG-required labels (accepted in the US)
Limit tin content to 200ppm (meets both standards)
Complete third-party testing (satisfies LFBG; supports FDA self-certification).

Quick Recap

FDA and LFBG differ in coating limits, testing, labeling, tin content, and approval — but by aligning with the stricter LFBG requirements, you can create tinplate cans that comply with both US and EU food safety rules.

Round Tin Cans

Rectangular Tin Cans

Two Piece Can

Three Piece Can

Food Grade Metal Can

Pressurized Aerosol Can

Torch Can

Round Tin Cans

Rectangular Tin Cans

Two Piece Can

Three Piece Can

Food Grade Metal Can

Pressurized Aerosol Can

Torch Can

Blog Details

FDA vs LFGB: 5 Critical Differences for Food Tinplate Cans

FDA vs LFGB: 5 Critical Differences for Food Tinplate Cans

Quick Answer

5 Critical Differences Between FDA & LFBG

How to Comply With Both Standards

Quick Recap