∑ the finished packwill carrythe statutory and otherspecifiedinformation in
the required formand location.
Where packagingmaterial carries information required by law (e.g.labels,
printedpackages, lithographed cans),the foodcontrol managershouldensure
that the specificationis updated as required to complywithnewregulatory
provisions,and that stocksof packagingmaterialsthat no longer comply are
quarantinedfor modifications(if possibleand desired) or destruction.
Eachdeliveryor batchshouldbe given a referencecodeto identify it in
storageand processing,and the documentationshouldbe suchthat,if necessary,
any batchof finished product can be correlatedwiththe deliveries of the
respective packaging materials used in its manufacture and with the
corresponding laboratoryrecords. Deliveriesshouldbe storedand markedin
sucha waythat theiridentitiesdo not becomelost.
Deliveriesof packagingmaterial should be quarantined until inspected,
sampledand tested,and released for use onlyon authorityof the foodcontrol
manager.Operatorsshouldbe trained and encouragedto reportimmediately
anythingunusual aboutthe appearance,colour,odouror behaviourof packaging
materials issued.
Temporarily quarantined packaging material should be located and/or
marked in sucha wayas to avoid risk of its being accidentally usedbefore
release. Material foundtotally unfitfor use in packagingoperationsshould be
suitably markedand physicallysegregatedpendingappropriate disposal.
All packagingmaterials should be storedin hygienicconditions, and as
indicated in theirrespectivespecifications.Stocksof packagingmaterials in
storeshouldbe inspected regularly to ensurethat theyremainin acceptable
condition.
Authorised procedureand documentationshould be established and followed
for the issueof packagingmaterials fromstore.In issuingpackagingmaterial
fromstore for productionuse,stockrotation shouldnormallybe observed,
unless otherwiseauthorisedor specifiedby the foodcontrolmanager.
Where a companymanufacturesmore thanone product,or morethanone
version of a singleproduct, the greatest careshould be takento checkthat the
correct packagingis issued for the product to be manufactured,and that no
incorrectpackagingmaterialsleft overfroma previousproductionrun of a
differentproductor a differentversionare left in the production area where they
might accidentally be used.In no circumstancesshould primary foodpackaging
be usedfor other thanits intended purpose.
Where packagingis reference-codedand date-marked in advance for use,
careshouldbe takento ensure that only material carryingthe correctdateis
used.Surplusmaterial left fromearlier production and bearing a no longervalid
referenceor date should not be left in the production area. Wherethe reference
and/or date are appliedduringthe manufacturing operation,care shouldbe taken
to ensure that the marking machine is set for the correct referenceand date.
334 Handbookof hygiene controlin the foodindustry