Food Packaging Material Safety Audit Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for auditing the safety and compliance of food packaging materials to ensure they meet regulatory standards and protect food quality.

Food Packaging Material Safety Audit Checklist
by: audit-now
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About This Checklist

Ensuring the safety and compliance of food packaging materials is crucial for protecting consumer health and maintaining regulatory compliance in the food and beverage industry. This Food Packaging Material Safety Audit Checklist is designed to help quality assurance professionals, packaging specialists, and food safety managers conduct thorough assessments of packaging materials used in food production. By addressing key areas such as material composition, migration testing, and supplier qualifications, this checklist helps identify potential risks and ensures that packaging materials meet stringent food safety standards. Regular use of this checklist can significantly reduce the risk of chemical contamination, extend product shelf life, and enhance overall food safety.

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Industry

Food and Beverage

Standard

Food Contact Materials Regulations

Workspaces

Food processing plants

Occupations

Quality Assurance Manager
Food Safety Specialist
Packaging Technologist
Regulatory Affairs Manager
Supply Chain Manager

1
Is the packaging compliant with EU Regulation No 1935/2004 and FDA 21 CFR 174-179?

Select the compliance status of the packaging.

To ensure that the packaging materials used meet the required safety standards.
2
Is there documentation available for the safety of food contact materials?

Please provide details about the safety documentation.

To verify that all materials used are documented for safety compliance.
3
What is the maximum level of migration detected in the packaging material?

Enter the migration level in mg/kg.

To assess the risk of chemical contamination from packaging to food.
Min: 0
Target: 0.1
Max: 10
4
Is the supplier of the packaging materials qualified for food safety compliance?

Select the qualification status of the supplier.

To ensure that the supplier meets food safety standards.
5
Describe how the packaging complies with applicable regulations.

Provide a detailed description of compliance measures.

To ensure comprehensive understanding of compliance measures taken.

6
What is the assessed risk level of chemical contamination from the packaging?

Select the risk level based on your assessment.

To evaluate the potential risk of chemical migration into food products.
7
What is the threshold for chemical migration established for the packaging?

Enter the threshold value in mg/kg.

To confirm that the packaging adheres to safety limits for chemical migration.
Min: 0
Target: 0.5
Max: 5
8
What measures are in place to prevent chemical contamination?

Provide a summary of the contamination prevention measures.

To assess the effectiveness of implemented safety measures.
9
When was the last chemical migration testing conducted?

Select the date of the last chemical testing.

To ensure that chemical testing is performed regularly and is up to date.
10
Is the chemical migration testing compliant with industry standards?

Select the compliance status of the testing.

To verify that testing methods align with regulatory requirements.

11
What is the name of the packaging supplier being evaluated?

Enter the name of the packaging supplier.

To identify the supplier for compliance tracking.
12
Does the supplier have relevant certifications for food safety?

Select the certification status of the supplier.

To ensure the supplier meets required safety standards.
13
What is the quality rating of the supplier based on previous audits?

Rate the supplier's quality on a scale of 1 to 5.

To evaluate the reliability and quality of the supplier's materials.
Min: 1
Target: 4
Max: 5
14
Please provide a summary of the supplier's performance in previous audits.

Enter a detailed performance summary of the supplier.

To document historical performance and identify any issues.
15
When was the last audit conducted for this supplier?

Select the date of the last supplier audit.

To ensure that supplier evaluations are current and reflect recent performance.

16
What type of material is used in the food packaging?

Enter the type of packaging material (e.g., plastic, glass, metal).

To identify the specific material for regulatory compliance.
17
What is the thickness of the packaging material?

Enter the thickness in millimeters (mm).

To assess the physical properties of the material for safety and durability.
Min: 0
Target: 0.5
Max: 10
18
Is the packaging material recyclable?

Select the recyclability status of the material.

To promote sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations.
19
Provide details from the Material Safety Data Sheet for the packaging material.

Enter a summary or attach relevant data from the MSDS.

To ensure that safety information is accessible and complies with regulations.
20
When was the packaging material last approved for food contact?

Select the date of the last approval for the material.

To track the approval status of materials used in packaging.

21
Is there an established quality control process for packaging materials?

Select the status of the quality control process.

To ensure that quality control measures are in place to maintain safety standards.
22
How many defects were found during the last quality control inspection?

Enter the number of defects identified.

To assess the effectiveness of the quality control measures in place.
Min: 0
Target: 2
Max: 100
23
What corrective actions have been implemented in response to defects?

Provide details of the corrective actions taken.

To document actions taken to address quality issues.
24
When was the last quality control inspection conducted?

Select the date of the last quality control inspection.

To ensure regular assessments of packaging quality.
25
Please attach or describe the quality control procedures followed.

Enter a summary or attach relevant documentation of the quality control procedures.

To verify that documented procedures are in line with best practices.

FAQs

Food packaging material safety audits should be conducted at least annually for each packaging supplier. However, more frequent audits may be necessary for new suppliers, high-risk materials, or when changes are made to packaging specifications.

Key components include reviewing supplier certifications, assessing material specifications, evaluating migration test results, checking compliance with relevant regulations, and verifying traceability systems for packaging materials.

Food packaging material safety audits are typically conducted by quality assurance managers, food safety specialists, or packaging technologists with expertise in food contact materials and relevant regulations.

Important tests include overall migration tests, specific migration tests for known substances, sensory evaluations, and tests for the presence of harmful chemicals such as bisphenols or phthalates.

Safe and appropriate packaging materials can help maintain food quality, prevent contamination, and create suitable barrier properties, all of which contribute to extending the shelf life of food products and ensuring their safety throughout the intended storage period.

Benefits

Ensures compliance with food contact material regulations

Helps prevent chemical contamination from packaging materials

Improves traceability and supplier management

Reduces the risk of product recalls due to packaging-related issues

Enhances consumer trust in packaged food products