In line with its goal of enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SME), The Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) conducted a workshop on Packaging and Labeling Standards for Food Products at the Gallery Hotel, Singapore on 16-21 September 2012.
Eighteen participants from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam attended. Topics covered the food labeling requirements by Food and Drug Administration of USA, Food Safety Authority of EU, and food packaging developments and innovations in Japan. Technical Officer Mr. Palasuberniam Kaliannan represented TFNet.
The workshop aimed to study the trends, technologies, and business practices in packaging and labeling to enhance the competitiveness of food and agricultural products in domestic and export markets; to learn regulation on packaging and labeling to avoid trade barriers due to noncompliance with those in effect in export markets; and to develop packaging and labeling strategies for APO member countries, which will increase sales of food and agricultural products.
Good product packaging and labeling should not only attract buyers but should also provide correct information on ingredients, nutrition, quality, and safety. However, most food manufacturing SMEs face the difficulty of designing sophisticated food packaging due to the lack of sufficient knowledge and technologies. Many countries also have complicated regulations and standards on food labeling, which can be difficult to follow.
Participants concluded that every country almost has similar labeling standards with differences in the eco-labeling requirements. For packaging, every country has its own regulations with respect to materials that ensure food safety and quality. The material used should not contain hazardous chemicals and should be strong enough to keep hazardous microorganisms from contaminating the food. The requirements for ‘Halal’ food were also highlighted.
The participants also visited the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTEC) to learn about sustainable manufacturing approaches.
The Participants and Resource Persons of the Workshop
The participants at the Food Innovation & Resource Centre in SIMTEC