Updated: FEBRUARY 15, 2016
Food Grade PVC is a general term for any polyvinyl chloride which is deemed safe enough to potentially hold food. Food grade PVC is generally used to make food containers and storage baggies, but its safety credentials also see it used in the creation of some sex toys including anal and vaginal vibrators and dildos.
Food grade PVC is manufactured with chemical softeners which gives the material its softness and flexibility. It is a much higher grade of PVC than economical PVC, and it is more body safe.
More About Food Grade PVC
Food grade PVCs have a soft finish with a firm core for satisfying, yet comfortable, penetration. This material is also an effective carrier of vibrations, so it is often used for vibrating sex toys. Food grade PVCs do not have the distinctive rubbery odor or taste that economical PVCs do. They can be used with water-based or silicone lubricants, but not oil-based ones.
Not all food grade PVCs are created equally. Only high-end food grade PVCs are hypoallergenic and phthalate free. Some cheaper food grade PVC sex toys will have a small amount of phthalates, but this may be enough to cause a reaction in someone with allergies or chemical sensitivities. Using a condom with these sex toys may help prevent these reactions.
Despite being a high grade of PVC, food grade PVC is still a more porous substance than some other materials including silicone and glass. Because of this, food grade PVC sex toys are a more common breeding ground for bacteria. They should be cleaned thoroughly with water and soap or an antibacterial sex toy cleaner before and after use to minimize the risk of infections. Food grade PVC sex toys also don’t have the longevity of sex toys made from these other, less porous materials.
Sex toys made from food grade PVC should be stored in a cool, dark place, in individual cloth storage pouches.
