Most parents want to do the right thing when it comes to choosing safe baby gear. But in the world of baby bowls, cups and utensils, safety claims are everywhere — and they’re not all created equal.
Some brands shout about being “non-toxic” or “food-grade”. Others lean on vague phrases like “BPA-free” or “certified safe” — but few explain what that actually means.
If you've ever felt unsure about what to trust, you're not alone. In this article, we break down the most common safety certifications you’ll come across — and give you a practical guide to understanding what’s real, what’s fluff, and what to look for next time you shop.
The Certifications That Actually Mean Something
LFGB (Germany / EU)
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What it is- A German standard considered one of the most rigorous in the world for food contact materials.
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What it tests for-
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Chemical leaching (e.g. lead, cadmium, BPA, phthalates)
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Taste and smell transfer
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Heat resistance
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Why it matters- Unlike general “food-grade” claims, LFGB compliance means the material won’t leach harmful chemicals, degrade with heat, or affect the taste and smell of food.
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What to know- LFGB-certified materials are often more expensive to source and test — but far more reassuring for parents.
At Jeanie Baby, our stainless steel is LFGB-grade — meaning it meets the standards required to pass LFGB tests for food safety, taste neutrality and chemical stability.
FDA (USA)
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What it is- A well-known standard from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
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What it tests for- Basic limits on chemical migration from plastics and silicones.
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Limitations-
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Allows some substances banned under LFGB
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Doesn’t test taste or odour transfer
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Often easier and cheaper to meet
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What to know- A product labelled “FDA compliant” sounds reassuring — but in practice, it may meet only the minimum acceptable standards. It’s a baseline, not a badge of excellence.
REACH (EU Chemical Regulation)
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What it is- A European regulation that restricts thousands of potentially harmful substances in consumer products.
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What it tests for-
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Carcinogens, hormone disruptors, reproductive toxins
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Heavy metals and phthalates
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Why it matters- Especially relevant for coloured silicone and plastic materials, where additives can contain harmful substances.
We use only materials tested to be compliant with REACH standards for chemical safety, including all colourants and finishes.
EN71 (EU Toy Safety Standard)
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What it is- A standard used for toys and baby gear that’s likely to be mouthed, chewed or played with.
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What it tests for-
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Heavy metal content
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Sharp edges, breakage risks
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Mechanical safety under real-life handling
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Why it matters- Feeding products used by babies — especially those made from softer materials like silicone — should also meet EN71 testing requirements.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
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Common Claim |
Why It’s Not Enough |
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“BPA-free” |
Good start, but what about phthalates, lead or other additives? |
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“Food-grade silicone” |
Not a regulated term — it could mean anything. |
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“Tested” |
Unless the test is named and passed, the claim is meaningless. |
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“Non-toxic” |
There’s no legal definition — it’s purely marketing language. |
How to Shop Smarter
When evaluating baby feeding products:
- Ask what standards the product has been tested to, not just vague claims.
- Look for explicit references to LFGB, REACH, or EN71 standards — not just FDA alone.
- Be wary of “certified” claims with no paperwork or third-party verification.
- Favour brands that clearly state what they’ve tested for — and are willing to show proof.
How We Approach Safety at Jeanie Baby
We’re parents too. That’s why we chose to work only with materials that meet some of the world’s strictest food contact safety standards — even when that means higher manufacturing costs or slower development.
- Our stainless steel meets LFGB-grade standards — meaning it’s non-porous, taste-neutral, and safe for repeated high-heat use.
- Our silicone components are tested against REACH and EN71 standards, to ensure chemical and physical safety.
- We don’t use mystery fillers, low-grade pigments or misleading claims — and we’ll always tell you what our products are made from and why.
Because “safe” shouldn’t just be a label. It should be something you can count on.
