2.3.2.5 Validation of Packaging Materials

Hello, all!

I'm currently conducting part of our internal SQF audit, and I meed some guidance/help on 2.3.2.5 (for level 3).

It states:

 

2.3.2.5 Validation of packaging materials shall include:

i. Certification that all packaging that comes into direct contact with food meets either regulatory acceptance or approval criteria. Documentation shall either be in the form of a declaration of continued guarantee of compliance, a certificate of conformance, or a certificate from the applicable regulatory agency.

ii. In the absence of a certificate of conformance, certificate of analysis, or letter of guarantee, tests and analyses to confirm the absence of potential chemical migration from the packaging to the food contents shall be conducted and records maintained.

I work in a plant that only manufactures plastic bottles and jars, so when they say "packaging," I'm a bit confused.

Is the code asking that our bottles and jars (which eventually come into contact with food at our customer) meet regulations?

OR, is the code asking that the packaging material (pallets, slip sheets, stretch wrap) we use to ship and deliver our bottles and jars meet regulations? 

OR, is it that both bottles/jars and their shipping packaging  must meet certain regulations?

Thanks in advance for any insight on the matter.

-Christina

Packaging materials refers to whatever YOU use to package your finished product, so yes: slip sheets, pallets, pallet wrap, boxes, core plugs, etc.