The Qingdao Consumer Protection Commission officially launched a comparative test on some silicone spatulas and silicone molds at the end of 2021. A total of 20 batches of samples were collected by staff posing as ordinary consumers from large shopping malls, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms such as JD.com and Tmall in Qingdao. The testing was conducted at the Qingdao Product Quality Inspection and Research Institute.
In the total migration test, the results for silicone spatulas were mostly between 1.5 mg/dm² and 3.0 mg/dm², while the results for silicone molds were mostly between 1.0 mg/dm² and 2.0 mg/dm², both meeting national standards. In the potassium permanganate consumption test, the results for silicone spatulas were mostly between 2.0 mg/kg and 3.0 mg/kg, while the results for silicone molds were mostly between 1.5 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg, both meeting national standards. Heavy metal (lead-based) testing showed that all 20 batches of samples had values less than 1 mg/kg, meeting national standards. Further testing for mercury, arsenic, chromium, selenium, lead, cadmium, antimony, and barium was conducted, but the values were all far below the national standard limits. In the plasticizer migration test, none of the 20 batches of samples tested positive for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diallyl phthalate (DAP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), or di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP).
All 20 batches of silicone spatulas and silicone molds met the standard requirements, achieving a 100% compliance rate. The product quality was good and did not show a trend of change with product prices.
The high compliance rate is attributed to several factors, including the stable chemical properties of silicone material itself, primarily composed of silicon-oxygen bonds in its main chain structure, maintaining stable performance at high temperatures; the samples were mostly sourced from reputable channels such as shopping malls, indicating strict procurement channels and quality control; and the increased quality awareness of manufacturers, driving product development towards higher quality. Consumer advice includes choosing products based on your needs and avoiding blindly pursuing high-priced items; purchasing through legitimate channels and carefully checking product labeling information; avoiding prolonged contact between silicone products and the pot body during use; and replacing products promptly if they become sticky or damaged.
