A lunch box must hold your lunch; a water bottle accompanies your drinks; a utensil comes into contact with ingredients. Beyond shape and capacity, what matters is that each item is intended for the use you have in mind. The acronym FCM helps navigate information regarding food contact.
What does FCM mean?
FCM stands for food contact materials. The definition includes items and components intended to touch food and drinks, such as containers, bottles, and utensils. It does not identify a single material: glass, metals, plastics, and silicone require considerations relevant to their composition and intended use.
The European Commission describes a framework of rules for food contact materials. For the buyer, the practical point is to read the suitability along with the model's instructions: an object does not become suitable for every use simply because it is described as food-grade.
Material, food, and conditions of use
A useful product sheet allows you to understand what the product is made of, what it can contain, and how to use it. Contact time, temperature, and type of food are important elements in the verifications and instructions for use.
- Composition: look for the material of the body and that of lids, seals, and accessories.
- Usage: read which foods or drinks are intended.
- Temperatures: verify the indicated limits, including any instructions for heating or refrigeration.
- Cleaning: check if dishwasher cleaning is permitted and for which components.
What are migration tests?
Migration tests evaluate the transfer of substances from the material to food or to the stimulants used in the test. The results refer to the samples, times, and temperatures established for the test. For this reason, a result must be read in conjunction with the documented conditions.
“Tests performed” does not therefore mean “no substance can ever migrate in any situation.” Precise communication describes the relevant checks and keeps the instructions that allow for compliance with the intended use.
Declarations, reports, and traceability
A declaration of compliance, a test report, and a certification have different roles. The reports describe verifications and results; the declarations report information on compliance; traceability allows the documentation to be linked to the relevant production information.
Salto emphasizes the documented information regarding the items concerned in its product sheets. The Quality, materials and controls page explains how to interpret materials and controls in the catalog.
And what about BPA free?
BPA free is specific information regarding bisphenol A. It should be read together with food contact and conditions of use: it does not replace the indications for temperature, washing, or usage. You can find a dedicated explanation in the guide BPA free: what it means.
To choose your next item, explore the water bottles and home and kitchen accessories, then read the sheet for the model you are interested in.
General information source: European Commission, food contact materials.