MEMBERS of Batangas City Rural Improvement Club Marketing Cooperative(BCRICMC) were trained on packaging technology and labelling requirements from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Batangas in partnership with the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., Aug. 22.
The seminar aimed to equip the participants with knowledge on packagingtechnology and innovations and mandatory labelling information for prepackagedfood products imposed in the Philippines. It was divided into two parts: 1) packaging technology and 2) labelling requirements.
The discussion on packaging technology covered the definition and functions of foodpackaging, factors in selecting product packaging, food packaging materials,packaging material tests, and food packaging techniques. Product packaginginnovations were also explained to the participants.
For labelling requirements, concepts discussed were the definitions and objectives of labels, mandatory label information standards in all countries and according to Codex Alimentarius, parts of the label, and the “Rules and Regulations Governing the Labeling of Prepackaged Food Products Distributed in the Philippines.” The mandatory label information consists of the following: 1) product name; 2) brand
name/trade name (as per consumer act); 3) list of ingredients; 4) net content declaration; 5) name and address of manufacturer, repacker, importer, trader, and distributor and country of origin; 6) lot identification number; 7) storage condition; expiration date; 9) food allergen information; 10) direction/instruction for use; and 11) nutrition facts/nutrition information/nutritive value, were also explained. Other required information, including alcoholic beverages, irradiated foods, additional information, and language, was expounded during the discussion. Mr. John Maico M. Hernandez, Science Research Specialist I at DOST-Batangas,served as the resource speaker during the activity.
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