Thursday, 12 June 2025

FCM and Food Safety: Why Even the Moka Gasket Makes a Difference Bitter Coffee? The Gasket Might Be the Culprit

In the daily ritual of brewing coffee, the taste can sometimes turn unexpectedly bitter, metallic, or off. But the cause isn’t always the blend or the water. Often, the issue lies in the materials that come into contact with food—known in English as Food Contact Materials (FCM), or MOCA in Italian. A prime example is the rubber gasket in your moka pot: a small component, yet essential for ensuring food safety.

What Are FCMs (MOCA)?

FCM stands for Food Contact Materials, referred to in Italian as MOCA (Materiali e Oggetti a Contatto con Alimenti). These are regulated by EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004, which mandates that all materials intended to come into direct or indirect contact with food must:

Be safe for human health
Not transfer harmful or undesirable substances into food
Not alter the composition, taste, or smell of food

Materials such as plastic, rubber, silicone, ceramic, glass, metal, and paper fall under this regulation. FCM compliance is further supported by additional laws like EU Regulation (EC) No. 2023/2006 on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

FCMs and Gaskets: Safety Is in the Details

Rubber or silicone gaskets used in moka pots, coffee machines, or industrial food equipment are vital components that ensure the final product is safe and contaminant-free. A non-compliant gasket can release harmful substances or compromise the sensory quality of the beverage.

POSA’s Commitment to Certified FCM Production

At POSA, a company specialized in manufacturing rubber and silicone components for the food industry, compliance with FCM/MOCA regulations is a core pillar of product quality. Every stage of the production process—from design and molding to logistics—is aligned with European food contact regulations.

Thanks to rigorous internal protocols, constant regulatory updates, and the use of qualified suppliers, POSA ensures full traceability and the highest levels of food safety.

GMP Certification for Food Contact Components

POSA has obtained GMP certification for Equipment with Food Contact Surfaces, specifically for:

Manufacturing of custom components made of silicone through mixing, injection molding, compression molding, and post-curing, intended for direct and indirect contact with food (IAF 14).

This certification is not just a technical achievement—it reflects POSA’s concrete commitment to its customers and to protecting the end consumer.

Why Choose Certified FCM Components?

In both the food processing industry and daily life, safety often comes down to the smallest details. Every POSA gasket is the result of careful design, compliant materials, and strict quality controls. Because even your morning coffee deserves to be not only delicious—but safe.