Since the publication and implementation of China GB 4806.1-2016 "National Food Safety Standard General Safety Requirements for Food Contact Materials and Products", label identification has become a "hot discussion" among the entire food contact product industry

What Information is included in the labels of food contact products?

A label is a general term for words, symbols, numbers, patterns, and other descriptions that carry related information such as product name, quality level, product volume, method of use, manufacturer or seller. It is like a "business card", which helping companies to convey product characteristics and brand characteristics, as well as guiding consumers to buy suitable products and use products correctly. (PS: The label in this article is a general term for product information such as labels, logos, instructions, etc.)

There is no exception for labeling of food contact products. In addition to the requirements of the "Product Quality Law", China GB 4806.1-2016 "National Food Safety Standard General Safety Requirements for Food Contact Materials and Products" further clarifies the special requirements for product labeling. In addition, GB/T 30643-2014 “General standard for the label of food contact materials and articles” also puts forward specific requirements for labeling and production of food contact products. In general, the label of food contact products need include the contents of five modules: basic product information, regulatory standards compliance information(referred to as compliance information), logos, instruction manual and other types of information. Specific requirements are as follows:

Basic Information

The essential elements of the label are product information, materials, the name, address and contact information of the producer and/or distributor, production date and shelf life (if applicable), etc. These elements are like an "identity card" that perfectly answers who am I? where am I from? and when was I "born"?

Compliance Information

In addition to the above "identity" description, the label must also reflect information about product compliance, such as product conformity certificates, compliance statements, etc., to declare the legality and compliance of the product "born". However, since it comply with the standards, the implementation standards of the products must also be clear. That is, it must be marked which national food safety standard the product complies with, for example, stainless steel complies with GB 4806.9-2016, plastic complies with GB 4806.7-2016, etc. In addition, in the GB 4806.1-2016, a complete "Declaration of Conformity" technical document is also required for products information and effectively transmitted in all links of the supply chain.

Symbol

In order not to mislead consumers and avoid misusing the eye-catching claims for their own purposes, the labels of food contact products must also clearly indicate "for food contact" and "for food packaging", or print(or affix) spoon and chopsticks symbol to declare that the product is suitable for contacting or packaging food. However, for products which purpose can be identified at a glance, such as: woks, spoons, chopsticks, etc., there is no need to indicate "for food contact", "for food packaging" or print(or affix) spoon and chopsticks symbol.

Instructions manual

For products with special use requirements, they need also be indicated with use method, use precautions, usage, use environment, use temperature, etc. For food contact products with a shelf life, especially when the shelf life is related to storage conditions, correct storage conditions should be marked. For products that may have a higher safety risk due to improper use, there should be warning words or warning instructions so that all users can safely and correctly handle, display, store and use. For example, the product is not suitable for holding acidic food, not suitable for microwave heating, and the maximum temperature resistance is 120℃, etc.

Other contents

The above are the basic elements on the label. Specific product standards have additional requirements and other content. In addition to the above general requirements, there are products that will also be marked with recycling marks, storage and transportation marks, etc., and companies can mark these content independently according to their needs.

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