Full definition
Polychloroprene (CR) rubber compounded with FDA-listed ingredients and meeting the extraction requirements of FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 for repeated food contact. Formulation: no carbon black (replaced with white mineral fillers — silica, TiO₂, CaCO₃), no aromatic process oils (paraffinic or ester oils only), no staining antioxidants (hindered phenolics only), and no heavy metals above FDA limits. The compound must pass extraction tests in water, 8% ethanol, and n-heptane at specified temperatures. Color: typically white or light-colored for visual contamination detection (a food safety requirement). Temperature range: -20 to +100°C (food-service conditions). Applications: seals and gaskets in food processing equipment (conveyors, mixers, filling machines), beverage dispensing systems, dairy processing (milk, cheese, yogurt), brewery equipment, commercial kitchen equipment, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Neoprene is chosen over EPDM for food applications when moderate oil/fat resistance is needed alongside weather resistance and flame retardancy. Also compliant with EU (EC) 1935/2004 and BfR recommendations for certain formulations. Testing: FDA extraction protocol plus organoleptic evaluation.