Is your food packaging compliant?

2019-02-23

Particularly within the food industry, there are many rules and regulations when it comes to the packaging and labelling of food. It’s vital that consumers are given honest and genuine information regarding food that they purchase. Suppliers have a moral obligation to provide this information, so that consumers can make well-versed decisions.

We have briefly outlined some of the main points of food packaging compliance below.

Packaging

If your company packages food, you must use packaging that is suitable for food use. To ensure you use the right type, look out for the wine glass and fork symbol, which indicates this is safe for food contact.

Special rules and regulations apply for using certain plastics and other materials; having a declaration of compliance allows you to show evidence that you have followed the correct guidelines. If you do not package your food yourself, you can request this declaration from your supplier.

Labelling

For packaged food, you must indicate several different things on the front, such as name of food, best before or use by date, and warnings (allergies etc.).

This is vital for indicating to the consumer whether or not this product is suitable for them to purchase. As well as the above, listing these other items on the front, side or back is also important:

1.Ingredients

2.Name and address of manufacturer, packer or seller

3.Lot number

4.Storage conditions

5.Instructions for cooking

6.Quantity information

7.Country of origin

Some products have different rules for what to include on the label, as well as additional information. This is to ensure that the labels offer the consumer the most honest and useful information possible. Some of these products include: bottled water, fats and oils, meat and meat products, fish, bread, and flour.

If you’re looking for a supplier of appropriate food packaging machines for your business, contact WIN-WIN PACK today for more details.