Section 5.30: Testing Requirements

Within the AIB Standards Section 5.30 Testing Requirements starts by stating "where applicable, testing procedures are defined for evaluation of transfer of chemical, odor, and taste to food products that will be packaged using these materials".  Here at our facility we manufacture extruded plastic net that holds produce. For example apples, oranges, limes, lemons, tomatoes, onions, etc.  Now all of these have outer skins which protect the vegetable or fruit.  I don't see how the plastic would transfer odor, taste, or chemical to the item inside the net.  I could see where this would be an issue for lets say milk cartons or jars of peanut butter and jelly.  So, what I'm asking is given these circumstances am I able to answer NOT APPLICABLE to this section or do I have to I have to get a statement from the plastic pellet vendor stating that the plastic doesn't exhibit odors, chemical, or taste that it can pass to the items inside.  I'm really trying to stay away from more testing cause the boss doesn't want to pay for it.

I would think that you would need paperwork indicating that that the plastic is food grade and does meet the regulations.  You should also get copies of their lab testing.  If you are doing anything to modify the plastic, adding color etc, then you will need to send the material to a lab to do the appropriate migration and other testing.  The lab can also do odor and taste testing as well.  If your not having to send the materials to the lab then you can make the smell and taste part of your in house checks. 

If you produce packaging material that is specifically designed to contain a product, then you are responsible for ensuring that there is no migration of odor, taste and color to the product. If you produce generic packaging, your customer will have to prove that there is no problem with its use, although you should make sure you are using food grade materials.