Since the implementation in August 2010 of China's import and export food packaging industry-standard system frame structure, all the import and export food packaging containers, packaging materials, must undergo strict food packaging inspection and quarantine supervision and management. The CIQ mark guarantees that products have passed quality tests.
Additionally, according to the “Food Border Hygienic Quarantine Law of the People’s Republic of China” all imported foodstuffs, food additives, food containers, food packaging materials and food related tools and equipment are subject to hygiene supervision and inspection by the SAEEIQ.
Food packaging can be manufactured in many ways and to strict specifications depending on the intended use, and can be produced using ultra low temperature, ultra high pressure, membrane separation, super-critical extraction, radiation, vacuum technology and more.
Types of food packaging that would be tested during an inspection can be a mixture of paper, plastic, metal, glass, also the packaging could undergo chemical testing (i.e. some printing inks have been found to be toxic and hazardous).
The packaging is there to provide protection, reduce the risk of contamination and tamper proof; certain food packaging can extend the shelf life of the food and act as an aid to ensuring effective and safe transportation.
National and International Inspection and Quality Control Processes
Food packaging analysis and inspection includes food safety testing, quality assessment and control, problem solving and support in research and development.
EU Food Packaging and Materials Migration Testing
This is the testing of plastic food packaging and food contact materials on overall chemical migration and specific chemical migration of monomers, additives and other trace residual substance.
Bisphenol-A Detection Testing and Analysis
Products tested include feeding bottles, drinking cups and products according to EN14350-2. BPA is extracted from test articles into food simulant and identified by high performance liquid chromatography. Migration of BPA shall not exceed 0.6mg/kg, as regulated in Amendment 2011/8/EU of the European directive 2002/72/EC.
Packaging Toxins Testing
This test on is on packaging materials for potential toxic components, including heavy metals content, volatile organic compounds, phthalates and many other chemical compounds.
Phthalates Analysis
This is detection analysis and screening of polymers and other materials and products for the presence of phthalates. Products tested besides general food contact materials are toys, packaging, consumer goods, plastics, polymers, components, and liquids. Examples for specific migration limits for phthalates used in food contact materials as in regulation (EC) 10/2011 include:
- di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), CAS No 117-81-7, SML 1.5 mg/kg
- diisononyl phthalate (DINP), CAS No 28553-12-0 and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), CAS No 26761-40-0, SML (T) 9 mg/kg (=sum of two in total)
Chemical Testing and Analysis of Packaging Materials
This test covers analyzing the packaging materials for product optimization, toxic analyses, and problem solving, contamination and food safety issues.
Packaging Physical and Mechanical Properties Testing
Evaluation of packaging material during processing, storage and usage i.e. Hot Tack Testing, Tensile, Coefficient Friction, Seal and Peel Tests, Gelbo-Flex, Abrasion Resistance, Heat Deflection Temperature, Tear, Flexural and Impact Properties, Seal Strength and Puncture Resistance, and Peel Testing.
