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Food Contact Products Labeling & Packaging Requirements
Posted on January 17, 2023
Articles
Food Contact Products Labeling & Packaging Requirements

Food Contact Products Labeling & Packaging Requirements

 

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) obligates the suppliers of the food contact products to obtain the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) either locally manufactured or imported from abroad to allow them to access the Saudi market.

SASO identified certification, labeling, packaging, and design requirements conditions of these products in the Technical Regulation of Food Safety in the Tools and Devices Used in the Kitchen (E.M. 171-19-06-04).

This regulation covers the tools and equipment in contact with food or can reasonably be brought into contact with food and used for:

  • Preparation
  • Serving
  • Preservation

Examples of Food Contact tools and devices:

 

There are many products included in the Technical Regulation of Food Safety in the Tools and Devices Used in the Kitchen and subjected to all conditions and requirements mentioned in it such as:

  • Dishes 
  • Cups 
  • Glasses 
  • Plates
  • Cutting boards
  • Cutlery
  • Cookware
  • Trays

Certification Requirements

 

Manufacturers or importers of Food Contact Products are required to provide the following documents and reports to apply for the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC):

  • Test Report from an accredited (ISO 17025) lab.
  • Factory audit report.
  • Supplier Declaration of Conformity.
  • Risk Assessment Document.
  • Quality Management System; ISO 9001.
  • Asbestos Free Declaration.
  • Photos of the products showing the labeling and marking requirements.

Test Report Issuance

 

The test report is one of the most important documents to prove that the product conforms to the relevant standards and regulations and meets the PCoC requirements.

the supplier can issue one test report in the following cases:

  • Same product type, same material, and different design.
  • Same product type, material, and different colors.
  • Same product type, same material, and different sizes.

Labeling Requirements for Food Contact Products

 

There is a set of requirements that must be met regarding the labeling of food contact products including: 

  • Labeling must meet standard requirements for each product (the list of standards is included in the TR. appendix).
  • Labels shall include the food contact symbol.
  • Labels shall be written in Arabic or both Arabic and English.
  • Labels shall include warnings and instructions for use, and shall be written in a clear font in a manner that is difficult to be removed.
  • Labels shall be affixed to ensure the traceability of products (QR code)
  • Country of origin.

Packaging Requirements for Food Contact Products 

 

Suppliers of food contact products must commit to the following requirements regarding packaging:

  • Packaging materials that come into contact with food must meet relevant standards.
  • Ensure that lead and other heavy metals do not exceed permitted levels.
  • Plastic containers must have the recycling symbol.
  • Ensure that the packaging of food contact items has a biodegradable plastic logo.

 

Product Design Requirements

 

The design of the food contact products must commit to the following:

  • Products must not be offensive to the Islamic religion. They must not include pork derivatives, images of pigs, pig shapes, or crosses.
  • Any images on products or packaging which may be offensive to Islam are prohibited.

 

Certification Body’s Role

 

Issuing the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) for food contact products can be done only by a SASO-approved Certification Body (CB) like Tabseer.

Tabseer in this regard will:

  • Perform the conformity assessment and ensure that the product meets the certification, labeling, packaging, and design requirements according to what is defined by SASO.
  • Approve the PCoC for food contact products subject to the Technical Regulation of Food Safety in the Tools and Devices Used in the Kitchen on Saber Electronic Platform.
  • Review shipment details for issuing the Shipment certificate of Conformity (SCoC).

If you are a supplier of food contact products and targeting the Saudi market, don’t miss this article to know more about the certification, labeling, packaging, and design requirements.

And contact us to issue PCoC food contact products

info@tabseergroup.com

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