Jiabei Explains: What is Parchment Paper? Is It Safe? How to Choose?

As a common companion for baking, parchment paper saves the trouble of washing dishes, and its safety and selection methods have attracted much attention. Below are professional answers:

I. Structure of Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is a food-contact paper made of virgin pulp, a coating layer and a food-grade silicone oil layer. It has two types: single-sided and double-sided:

Single-sided parchment paper: The outer layer is the paper layer, the middle is the coating layer, and the inner layer (the side in contact with food) is the silicone oil layer.

Double-sided parchment paper: The center is the paper core, with the coating layer and silicone oil layer in sequence on both sides.

 

 

II. Safety Requirements for Materials of Each Layer

Paper Layer

China: Must comply with GB4806.8-2022. Only virgin pulp (including wood pulp) is allowed; recycled pulp is prohibited.

EU: New wood fibers or recycled fibers can be used. For recycled fibers, measures such as cleaning and adding barriers must be taken to control impurity migration, and they must also meet restrictions on migration levels, fluorescent substances, microorganisms, etc.

USA: In accordance with 21 CFR Part 176, the paper layer must pass tests for extractables and heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium). Fluorescent brighteners are restricted, and PFAS-containing oil repellents will be banned starting from 2025.

Silicone Oil Layer

Food-grade silicone oil must be used, such as polydimethylsiloxane. Some products previously used Quilon (Quilon C9). All materials must meet food safety standards, with a heat resistance of 230-250℃, making them suitable for the high-temperature environment of air fryers.

Coating Layer

Its core functions are to bond the silicone oil layer to the paper layer and prevent silicone oil penetration. The main risk lies in the adhesive:

China: According to GB4806.15-2024, adhesives are divided into two categories: those in direct contact with food and those in indirect contact. Adhesives for direct contact must use raw materials listed in Appendix A and official announcements.

EU: Follows regulations 1935/2004, 2023/2006, and 10/2011. Since December 2024, adhesives containing bisphenol A (and other harmful bisphenol analogs) have been banned.

USA: In accordance with 21 CFR Part 175, general adhesives are regulated under 175.105, and pressure-sensitive adhesives under 175.125. Both must comply with the list of allowed substances and dosage limits.

 

III. Key Points for Choosing Parchment Paper

Check certification standards: Ensure the product meets the standards of the region where it will be used (e.g., China's GB4806.8-2022, EU's 1935/2004, USA's FDA 21 CFR Part 176).

Verify material safety: Choose virgin pulp for the paper layer, food-grade materials for the silicone oil layer, and adhesives that meet the food contact standards of the corresponding country/region. Avoid industrial-grade materials.

Examine product labels: The packaging must be marked with the brand name, manufacturer, factory address, and production license. Use caution when choosing products with incomplete information.

 

 

Pay attention to high-temperature resistance: Prioritize products labeled with a maximum temperature resistance (recommended around 230℃) and service duration (mostly ≤220℃, ≤20-30 minutes) to prevent the release of harmful substances or fire under high temperatures.

Request test reports: Give preference to products that can provide third-party test reports, with a focus on the test results of adhesive components and the migration of harmful substances.