Not all silicone is safe. Many silicone kitchen products are sold without certification, meaning their safety can’t be verified. This blog explains why LFGB-certified silicone matters, how to test brands for transparency, and what to look for before buying silicone products.

When I first started Go For Zero…

When I first started Go For Zero, I wasn’t trying to change everything overnight. I wanted to make simple swaps that actually make a difference. Products that were safe for families, reusable for years, and better for the planet.

Silicone felt like an easy win. But the deeper I looked, the more I realised… not all silicone is created equal.

The real problem with silicone (that no one talks about)

The biggest issue is that most silicone kitchen products don’t come with proof, testing information or silicone certifications. Just “food grade” on the label and a cute colour.

What you might not realise is that “Food grade” is not a strict global standard. It can be used loosely without showing any actual proof.

That’s exactly why I decided to test this myself, because if a brand or retailer can’t show you what a product it’s made of or how it’s been tested… you’re just guessing.

If there is one thing to take away from this blog let it be this: If they can’t show it, don’t buy it.

The transparency test: I asked Kmart for proof

Before writing this, I decided to do something really simple.

I reached out to Kmart, one of the biggest retailers for silicone kitchenware in Australia, about one of their silicone muffin trays. I asked a simple question:

“Do you have certification or testing documents for your silicone?”

Here’s exactly what happened (you can also see screenshots of the conversation below):

1. I asked for silicone certification
2. They asked what certification I was looking for
3. I clarified: something that proves safety and quality
4. I was told to check the reviews instead (it had no reviews btw)
5. There was no certification on the product page
6. I asked again for any safety testing or documents
7. They said they would pass it on
8. I was told to wait 24-48 hours

… and I’m sure you can guess. No emails. No reply. No documents. No clarity. And honestly, that told me everything I needed to know. Because if certification exists… it should be easy to share.

What this actually means

If a retailer is selling a product that comes into contact with your food and can’t provide basic certification when asked… you’re not buying “silicone”. You’re buying something you can’t verify as safe.

If the proof exists, it should be easy to share.

The real issue with silicone isn’t silicone… It’s guesswork

Silicone can be an amazing low-waste swap, but the market is flooded with products that are basically sold on shiny things: “food grade” labels, pretty colours, and a cheap price tag.

And that’s where it gets tricky!Because silicone is used in high heat, repeated use, and direct food contact. If something is going to degrade, leach, warp or smell… your kitchen is where it shows up.

You shouldn’t need a chemistry degree to buy a muffin tray. You just need a brand willing to show you the proof.

“But it’s only $5…”

I get it, I really do. A $5 muffin tray or ice cube mould feels harmless & convenient. But here’s what happens with cheap, non-certified silicone:

• It warps.
• It smells.
• It loses its shape.
• It stops being non-stick.
• It needs replacing far sooner than it should

But most of all… you still don’t know what’s in it.

So what felt cheap upfront can end up costing more, and giving you less confidence every time you use it. 

The rule I wish more people would use

If you take one thing from this blog, let it be this: If a brand or retailer can’t provide certification documents for their silicone, don’t buy it. And if they dodge the question… that is your answer.

Why LFGB certification actually matters

This is where the LFGB certification comes in.

It’s a European food safety certification that tests silicone for chemical safety, toxicity and overall safety when it comes into contact with food. And it’s widely considered a higher, much stricter standard than basic FDA compliance.

All of our silicone at Go For Zero is premium LFGB-certified, free from BPA, bleach, dioxins, and designed to handle real life, from the freezer to the oven.

Is LFGB-certified silicone more expensive for companies to source? Yes! It's more expensive for companies to source and test to this standard, which is why many lower-cost stores don’t provide it. But it should last you many, many years, and it is not just a label. It's peace of mind. It means you can bake, freeze, microwave or store food without second-guessing what might be leaching into it.

Want to ask yourself? Use this

To be honest… when I first asked this question, I didn’t use a structured approach. I thought asking about “safety certification” would be straightforward, so I asked it as a curious human. 

At Go For Zero, quality and safety checks are at the core of everything we do, so this is exactly how I’ll be asking moving forward (and what I recommend you use too):

Hi there,

I’m looking at your silicone [product name] and I’d like to confirm it's tested for food-contact safety and certifications.

Can you please provide:

• The certification type (LFGB preferably and/or FDA compliance)
• The certification documents or test report for this specific product
  

Thank you

Want the silicone swap that actually holds up?

If you want silicone, you can bake, freeze, microwave, and wash on repeat without the “is this even safe?” question. Start with our LFGB-certified silicone range. 

I started Go For Zero because I couldn’t find the level of transparency I was looking for. I want to know what I’m using. I want to trust it. I want it to last. That’s always been the goal with Go For Zero. You can read more here on how we do this. Not to be perfect, but to give you products that are safe, reusable, and actually hold up in real life.

If you’re making changes one product at a time, this is one of those swaps that actually earns its spot in your kitchen.

Ellie x

PS Two weeks later and still no update… which made me even more confident in what we stand for 💚

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FAQs

What does LFGB certified silicone mean?

It means the silicone has been tested under a strict European food safety standard to ensure it doesn’t release harmful substances when used with food.

Is FDA-approved silicone the same as LFGB?

No. FDA compliance is considered a minimum standard, while LFGB is generally stricter and more thorough.

How do I know if silicone is safe for cooking?

Ask for certification documents. If a brand can’t provide them, you can’t verify its safety.

Can silicone go in the oven, microwave and freezer?

High-quality silicone can. Always check temperature ranges and certification.

Are cheap silicone products safe?

Some may be, but without certification or transparency, there’s no way to confirm. That uncertainty is the risk.