Do you recognise the implications of this symbol with regards to valves?

This innocuous looking logo denotes approval to EC Directive 1935/2004 or MOCA for materials in contact with food.

Any valves that carry foodstuffs or convey air or gas into foodstuffs, should carry this to prove that they have been tested and are in accordance with the standard.

The standard was developed to increase food production standards by eliminating potentially harmful contamination caused by chemical migration or leaching from materials into the product.

Analysis has proved that the incidence of health warnings originating from contamination through chemical migration of food contact materials, has increased from 18% to 25% in the 2 years from 2015 to 2017, leading many manufacturers to actively pursue MOCA compliance for their processes.

Recently a new decree, 29/2017 was introduced that sanctioned penalties up to €80,000 for violation of the European legislation relating to Materials in Contact with Food (MOCA), which strengthens the argument for ensuring that any valves installed in food processes either carry this symbol or are clearly marked For Food Contact.

MOCA testing concentrates on practical determination of chemical migration from materials and is similar in principle to WRAS testing to avoid materials tainting the taste of potable water.

This is very different to EHEDG testing which is to ensure items can be reliably cleaned in place through SIP processes. Not all food processes require EHEDG or 3A testing but when considering the supporting processes in a food plant, many more do actually have direct or indirect contact with food components and would benefit from the security of MOCA certified valves and knowing that they are tested to prevent harmful contamination.

Some typical applications where MOCA certified valves would be recommended are filling machines, foodstuff conveyance, cooling, food preservation and pre-fill cleaning of bottles, moulds and packages.

ID Insert Deal Srl already has a range of 316L stainless steel pressure regulators from ¼″ to 2″ available with MOCA certification and is working through the 3rd party testing schedule to further increase this range by the end of 2019.

Are you or do you know someone else, who is at risk of an €80,000 fine for non-compliance?

Tel: 01443 772500
Email: sales@measuremonitorcontrol.com
Web: www.measuremonitorcontrol.com


Published: 12th August 2019

BVAA Strengthens Board with New Members

Rachel Wormald, Managing Director at YPS Valves Ltd and Elizabeth Waterman, ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article

BVAA Valve & Actuator Training News

Are you looking for industry-leading, brand independent valve and actuator ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article

Comment by BVAA CEO Rob Bartlett

As can be seen from the photograph, clearly the resident birds at Bartlett ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article

Howco Group Invests £1 Million in Vertical CNC Turning Centres

Howco Group has unveiled its latest £1million investment, with the ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article

Allvalves: Fuelling Growth Through Customer Connectivity

In 2024, Allvalves is poised for an exciting year of growth and expansion, ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article

GMM Pfaudler - Introducing the Normag Brand to the BVAA Community

GMM Pfaudler Engineered Plastics & Gaskets are delighted to bring the ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article

Building Industry Connections: A GMM Pfaudler Success Story

In the ever-evolving valve industry, GMM Pfaudler stands out for its ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article

SAMSON Controls Participates in the UK CCUS and Hydrogen Decarbonisation Summit

SAMSON Controls Ltd – part of the SAMSON group - a renowned leader in ...

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Read full article