FCMs analysis
FCMs refers to all those materials and objects that are intended to come into contact with food and beverages during production, processing, storage, preparation and serving. The most common examples of FCMs include kitchen utensils, food containers and tableware, but industrial machinery that produces food and beverages or work surfaces are not excluded.
The FCM regulations stipulate that “Materials and articles […] shall be produced in accordance with good manufacturing practice so that, under normal or foreseeable conditions of use, they do not transfer components to foodstuffs in quantities that: a) constitute a hazard to human health; b) result in an unacceptable change in the composition of foodstuffs; or c) result in a deterioration of their organoleptic characteristics.”
For these materials and objects to be safe for food contact, it is necessary to conduct FCM analysis in an accredited laboratory.
Who should perform FCM analysis
The types of farms that must comply with the requirements of Reg 1935/2004 and EC Reg 2023/2006 – are:
- manufacturers
- importers
- assemblers
- distributors
- suppliers and users of FCMs (food contact materials)
Therefore, mocha analysis can be requested by any company in the food supply chain or of products and machinery that will come into contact with food.
TEC Eurolab, as a 17025-accredited third-party laboratory, can support you as a FCM testing laboratory in verifying the compliance of products and processes with respect to the FCM Regulation. With specific audits we support companies to comply with EC Regulation 2023/2006.
Enterprises are responsible for:
- ensure the quality of their products, preventing them from transferring undesirable substances in quantities that endanger human health, at any stage of processing, transformation and distribution;
- Ensure the traceability of suppliers, raw materials used or items employed by establishing and implementing a quality assurance and quality control system (Regulation 2023/2006 – Good Manufacturing Practice) to facilitate control, recall of defective products and allocation of responsibility;
- Ensure a suitable storage and preservation system for such materials from a food hygiene perspective.
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TEC Eurolab: your FCM analysis laboratory
FCM analysis consists of laboratory tests that verify the compliance of food contact materials.
Making use of qualified personnel and state-of-the-art instrumentation, TEC Eurolab can support you as a FCM analysis laboratory, performing release tests on different types of materials (on stainless steel, aluminum, other metal alloys, enamels, plastics, rubber, ceramics, etc.)
For FCMs, we can perform the following analyses:
- Stainless steel yield test in accordance with M.D. 21/03/1973 and its updates
- Cession testing ceramic materials in accordance with Directives No. 2005/31/EC and No. 84/500/EC
- Plastic material release testing in accordance with European Regulation No. 10 of 2011 and its updates
- Rubber release testing in accordance with DM 21/03/1073 and its updates + FDA + BFR
- Assignment testing on metals in accordance with the European council’s guidance “resolution CM/Res(2013)9”
- Test suitability for food contact on aluminum in accordance with DM No. 76 of 18/04/2007
Our integrated service for FCMs
How do we support companies to meet the requirements of FCM regulations?
The synergy between the divisions of SIDEIUS allows us to offer an integrated service toward regularization. The integrated service is developed in 4 directions:
- TEC Eurolab operates as a mocha analysis laboratory, verifying the compliance of materials with food contact;
- Technical support for setting up company quality systems in accordance with Reg. (EC) 2023:2006, preparation of documentation required to compile the declaration of conformity, and interpretation and reading of certificates of suitability for food contact of raw materials and/or finished products;
- Valor, as a Certification Body, issues FCM Certification, enabling companies to enhance internal expertise and management of food contact related processes and materials;
- Skillantis, an advanced training academy, provides up-to-date know-how for the food industry through training courses in FCM and hygienic design.
FAQ - FCM Analysis
Is it important to perform "food contact" verifications on FCM (Food Contact Materials)?
Yes, because only the documentation provided by the manufacturer is not sufficient. In fact, the retailer must verify the reliability of this documentation, as it is his or her responsibility to ensure the food contact suitability of the marketed items.
What are FCMs?
These are the materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. Such materials, before being used in contact with food, must be certified as food contact through release tests to verify that they do not release substances harmful to humans. It is not only the kitchen or packaging items, but it is also the materials, for example, that make up the machines or equipment in which food is processed.
What regulations and responsibilities on FCMs?
Enterprises are responsible for:
- ensure the quality of their products, preventing them from transferring undesirable substances in quantities that endanger human health, at any stage of processing, transformation and distribution (Declaration of Conformity).
- Ensure the traceability of suppliers, raw materials used or items employed by establishing and implementing a quality assurance and quality control system (EC Reg. 2023/2006 – Good Manufacturing Practice) to facilitate control, recall of defective products and allocation of responsibility. Finally, they must ensure a suitable storage and preservation system for these materials from a food hygiene perspective.