Packaging, Labelling and Storage Logistics
Packaging protects food, communicates information and enables safe distribution. This domain tests packaging materials, modified atmosphere packaging, aseptic packaging, labelling rules, date marking, traceability, cold chain and stock rotation.
Core rules
- Packaging must contain, protect, preserve, transport and inform. Material choice depends on moisture, oxygen, light and mechanical sensitivity.
- MAP replaces package headspace with a gas mixture. It is not the same as vacuum packaging. Respiring fresh produce needs perforation or a suitable gas balance.
- Aseptic packaging fills a sterile product into a sterile package under sterile conditions.
- FSSAI labelling requires product name, ingredients, net quantity, nutrition information, manufacturer details, lot or batch, date marking and storage instructions where applicable.
- FEFO is used for date-marked stock; traceability links batches forward and backward in the supply chain.
Worked example
A packet is packed on 1 June with a best-before period of 6 months. The best-before date is 1 December. If the product is stored above the labelled temperature, the declared shelf life no longer applies. The reasoning links date marking to the validated storage conditions.
Traps
- Treating MAP and vacuum packaging as identical.
- Using a high-barrier film for respiring produce without gas control.
- Omitting lot or batch code on labels.
- Using FIFO when FEFO is needed.
- Ignoring temperature abuse during transport.