MOCA: Materials and objects in contact with food
wabi-sabi-functional-ceramics-catalogue
Metra ceramics have the MOCA certification which guarantees that the product is suitable for contact with food. This certification must be done for each variant of enamel or surface that will come into contact with food and the so-called Declaration of Conformity (DdC) must be issued for each of these variants.
These Declarations certify that the product complies with the legal requirements which provide value limits for the solubility of cadmium and lead. Lead and cadmium are not used in my production and this is validated by laboratory analyses carried out on samples of finished products.
MOCA Declaration of Conformity in Italian Haiku Collection
Cristallina London Dichiarazione di conformità Cristallina London
Smalto Satin White Dichiarazione di conformità Satin White
Smalto Rice Paper Dichiarazione di conformità Rice Paper
Smalto Perfect Black Dichiarazione di conformità Perfect Black
Smalto Grey Dichiarazione di conformità Grey
Smalto Avio Dichiarazione di conformità Avio
Smalto Sabbia Dichiarazione di conformità Sabbia
Smalto Tabacco Dichiarazione di conformità Tabacco
Smalto Water Lily Dichiarazione di conformità Water Lily
Smalto Sensei Tenmoku Dichiarazione di conformità Sensei Tenmoku
Smalto Ginko Leaf Dichiarazione di conformità Ginko Leaf
Smalto Oribe Dichiarazione di conformità Oribe
Smalto Persimmon Dichiarazione di conformità Persimmon
The analyses
The analyses on releases in acid environments confirm the total absence of Lead and Cadmium residues on the glazes.
In the production process of my ceramics, fired at high temperatures (1260-1320°C), these elements are not used.
However, the legislation requires that this be validated by analytical tests to exclude contamination with certainty.
MOCA certification is a legal requirement (DM 04/04/1985) for each manufacturer of ceramics intended for contact with food.
Instructions for use
The objects can be used in the microwave and washed in the dishwasher.
Before their first use, it is recommended to wash the objects.
What is a MOCA and what is the purpose of the certification?
MOCA (Material or Object in Contact with Food) and FCM (Food Contact Materials) are acronyms that identify all materials and objects intended to come into contact with food as defined by REG (EC) No. 1935/2004, art. 2° comma 2 letter (a).
Ceramic materials in contact with food include tableware and kitchen utensils such as plates, cups, glasses, bowls, baking trays or any container susceptible to containing food. In the ceramic industry, metals such as lead and cadmium have always been used for technical or decorative purposes. But today there are alternatives to avoid the use of these metals in ceramics for food use.
For this reason, in many countries regulations are issued that regulate the limits of release of chemical substances from MOCA objects and that guarantee food safety.
Who must comply with the regulation?
All those who market ceramics intended for food use, even those who make ceramics as an amateur and want to sell it and especially those who sell objects to those who must have the “MOCA Declaration of Conformity” such as restaurants or retailers.
How can I know if ceramics are for food use?
The international symbol for products “for food use” is the symbol of a wine glass and a fork. This symbol indicates that the product is considered safe for contact with food and is mandatory for products sold in Europe after the EC Framework Regulation 1935/2004.
It is important to know that the use of this logo and the wording ‘for food use’ can only be done by those who have this certification. The economic operator who labels, advertises, or presents MOCA in ways that are likely to mislead consumers about the safe and correct use of materials and objects in compliance with food legislation is subject to sanctions [….] (EC Regulation 1935/2004 art. 2, c. 4)
What obligations does the MOCA ceramic manufacturer have?
1. The manufacturer must be registered in a regional MOCA producer register by registering as an Economic Operator (EO). Registration must be sent to the ASL via the SUAP of the competent Municipality. There are heavy administrative penalties for failure to register.
2. Produce a “MOCA Declaration of Conformity” [DdC]
3. Have the “supporting documentation” for the “MOCA Declaration of Conformity” [DdC] consisting of:
A documented system of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP Good Manufacturing Practice) in which the production process is described and a Traceability and Tracking system is organized,
A Labeling system (to be attached to the items sold)
The Analyses on the release of Lead and Cadmium for glazes intended for use in ceramics.
Which regulations govern MOCA products?
Reference is made to the Community legislation:
- Regulation (EC) no. 1935/2004 for materials and goods in contact with food, and
Regulation (EC) no. 2023/2006 for good manufacturing practices.
At national level, this legislation has been implemented with: - Presidential Decree 777/82 and subsequent updates and amendments
DM 21/03/1973 and subsequent updates and amendments;
DM 04/04/1985 regulation of ceramic objects intended to come into contact with food products
DM 01/02/2007 Implementation of Commission Directive 2005/31/EC of 29 April 2005, amending Council Directive no. 84/500/EEC, as regards the declaration of conformity and efficiency criteria of analysis methods for ceramic objects intended to come into contact with food products
DL 10/2/2017, no. 29 Sanctioning provisions for violation of the obligations arising from Regulation (EC) no. 1935/2004