The specification - PAS 223 Prerequisite programmes and design requirements for food safety in the manufacture and provision of food packaging - provides a common international process for developing a prerequisite programme (PRP) for food and drink packaging safety, said the body.
By industry, for industry
The 20-page document was put together by experts from Coca-Cola and has been endorsed by a raft of industry-leading packaging and food companies such as Nestle, Tetra Pak, Kraft, Owens-Illinois, Rexam and Amcor Flexibles.
“We recognise the need for an ‘end-to-end supply chain approach’ for food safety,” said project leader Neil Marshall, global quality and food safety director at Coca-Cola. “It is vitally important that packaging risks are managed and mitigated using the same science-based approach we use for ingredients and manufacturing processes.”
The BSI said the guide would also be of interest to food safety certification bodies across the world. The Foundation for Food Safety Certification (FSSC) and Institute of Packaging Professionals/FSAP (Food Safety Alliance for Packaging) have signed off on the standard.
Areas covered
The industry-designed document is aimed at food packaging firms to ensure its management systems meet the requirements for PRPs laid out in BS EN ISO 22000.
The specification sets out the requirements for programmes across 19 areas. These include large-scale considerations such as layout and workspace, as well as utilities, waste and equipment.
Systems and conditions for contamination and migration, packaging withdrawals and bioterrorism as well as food packaging design and development are also assessed.
Requirements for design have been included in this PAS because of the potential safety hazards that can arise if the food packaging is not suitable for the intended use, said the BRI.
“By working closely with leading food, drink and packaging manufacturers, BSI has developed a set of prerequisite requirements that will help lower the risk of food safety,” said the body’s director Mike Low.
PAS 223 Prerequisite programmes and design requirements for food safety in the manufacture and provision of food packaging is available from the British Standards Institute (BSI) price ₤80 (€88)