Quality is the keyword at Stela. For us it means precision, control of each phase and 100% security: this applies to all our products and even more so for the production of rubber materials and components intended for the food supply chain. For this reason, from 2020 we can produce according to MOCA standards (Materiali e Oggetti a Contatto con Alimenti). MOCA regulations aim at guarantee and preserve food wholesomeness. All objects or materials (valve components and rubber seals in our case), which come into direct or indirect contact with food, must therefore comply with these standards.

REGULATORY REFERENCES, ITALY LEADS THE WAY IN EUROPE

The spread and development of the food industry in Italy is well known. Indeed, it is one of the main pillars of the Italian economy and a world-renowned and appreciated excellence. It is therefore no coincidence that the first food hygiene regulations were issued in Italy in 1962. The Ministerial Decree of 21/03/1973, which is still in force today, gave rise to indications, obligations and prohibitions that later became an inspiration for the regulations issued by the European Community (Reg. CE/1935/2004 del 27/10/2004 e Reg. CE/2023/2006 del 22/12/2006).

THE STEPS FOR MOCA COMPLIANCE

The MOCA standard has been achieved by Stela in order to offer the most comprehensive and wide-ranging service possible: it enables us to extend our work range to the food sector and offer rubber products, which are safe and in accordance with the regulations in force. These products are mainly used to produce valve components for food packaging and components for food production machines (ice cream and confectionary in particular). MOCA compliance ensures that the processes and materials used are suitable – in term of health and safety – for food contact. It is responsibility of the companies to ensure the quality of their products and avoid the transfer of undesirable and/or dangerous substances to food in every stage of production, transformation and delivery.

Being MOCA compliant is therefore a prerequisite for companies wishing to work in the food sector.

The three steps for companies to be compliant with MOCA are:

1. Declaration of compliance with the current legislation, through which the company guarantees the quality of its products and the proof that they do not transfer harmful substances to the food they come into contact with.
2. GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), namely the obligation to guarantee traceability of suppliers and raw materials used, so that it is possible to set up a quality control system and ensure the recall of defective products according to EC Regulation 2023/2006 – Good Manufacturing Practice.
3. Performing laboratory tests for the compliance of food contact materials: global migration analysis, specific migration, colour migration and chemical analysis.

STELA GOES ONE STEP FURTHER TO OFFER EVEN MORE GUARANTEES TO OUR CUSTOMERS

Although these steps are sufficient to be compliant with the standard, and although Stela will be able to display the MOCA compliance symbol and label on its products from 2020, as a company we have decided not to stop there.

In order to offer even more guarantees to our customers, we will be voluntarily certified by the independent certification body DNV this autumn. This proves that the priority for us is the safety of our customers.