MOCA Food Safe Certification for Materials In Contact with Food: EC 1935/2004

What is MOCA EC 1935/2004?

EC 1935/2004 or MOCA is a European Council directive relating to materials in contact with food. The directive was developed to increase food production quality standards and reduce public health risks by eliminating potentially harmful contamination caused by chemical migration from materials into the product. Any valves that carry foodstuffs or convey air or gas into foodstuffs, should carry the MOCA logo (above) or state For Food Contact to prove that they have been tested and are in compliance.

How is this different to EHEDG Aseptic or 3A Sanitary Certification?

MOCA concerns contamination arising from chemicals migrating from material in contact with the food and mixing with it. By testing materials to determine their contaminating or non-contaminating properties, products can be certificated as being safe for contact with food.

EHEDG certification is also appropriate to foodstuff production but instead of focussing on the safety of the touching materials, concentrates on how they are SIP cleanable in order to eliminate growth of micro-organisms or bacteria and ensure crevices are not missed in the cleaning process.

What testing is required to achieve MOCA certification?

Products have to be submitted to a certified laboratory where they undergo chemical testing to determine the degree of substance release to the medium. The process can take many months before the Certification Body publishes the results and awards certification if the testing has been successful.

What’s different in manufacturing to achieve this certification?

Components have to be stored and assembled in a clean environment to ensure no contamination to the materials. Any materials in contact with the components have to be approved inert materials according to EC1935/2004. Seals and any lubricants are FDA approved. Assembly, test and packing also under clean conditions and the products are sealed prior to shipping.

Can we combine ATEX and MOCA certifications on one valve?

Yes, ask us about this as not all products carry both certifications.

Where is MOCA needed?

Any food contacting valves or instruments should carry the MOCA or EHEDG/3A certifications. MOCA should also be specified for indirect contact with food such as pneumatic conveying of dusts and powders, bottle cleaning/filling/drying, air cooling of foods, conveying food preserving inert gases and many others. If the medium in question is a foodstuff or it will come into contact with a foodstuff in the normal process operation, it should have the MOCA certification.

Are there penalties for non-compliance?

With the announcement of the 29/2017 decree, there are now penalties of up to €80,000 for violations of European legislation regarding food contact materials (MOCA EC 1935/2004).

What can we offer with MOCA certification?

ID Insert Deal Srl are increasing the number of products they offer that can include MOCA EC1935/2004 certification. The current ones are below and we expect more to be joining them in the near future. Please ask if a suitable product is not shown.

Medium Pressure MOCA Regulators

From 50bar inlet pressure to 15, 8, 3 or 1.5bar outlet pressure ranges

Low Pressure MOCA Regulators

From 7bar inlet pressure to 3000, 1500, 700, 200 or 45mbar outlet pressure ranges

High Pressure MOCA Regulators

From up to 400bar inlet pressure to 200, 100, 50, 30, 15, 8, 3 or 1.5bar outlet pressure ranges

Medium Pressure Filters up to 50bar

High Pressure Filters up to 300bar