Packaging plays a critical role in the safety of agricultural products, and choosing the right packaging supplier can make or break your business. Improper package can lead to contamination, spoilage, and non-compliance with food safety regulations—jeopardizing your items and your brand.
The right packaging solutions protect perishable products, preserve freshness, and maintain product integrity from farm to table.
With safety standards tightening, businesses in Canada, especially in British Columbia, must partner with a trusted packaging company to avoid costly mistakes. If you’re not evaluating your package supplies now, you might be putting your entire supply chain at risk.
Why Packaging Matters for Agricultural Products
In the food industry, packaging is more than just a container for agricultural items—it's an extra protection to ensure freshness and extend shelf life. When dealing with perishables, having custom packaging can prevent spoilage and reduce waste while keeping your food products in peak condition.
Businesses opting for high-quality packaging supplies can create a controlled environment that limits contact with air, moisture, and contaminants. This not only preserves freshness but also complies with strict Canadian food safety regulations.
The Role of Edible Packages
For Protection
- Biological Hazards: Safeguards against pathogens and spoilage organisms.
- Pests: Shields the product from pests.
- Physical Damage: Prevents damage from shocks or vibrations.
- Barriers: Blocks elements like oxygen, moisture, and light.
For Security
- Tamper Resistance: Deters unauthorized access.
- Counterfeit Prevention: Includes features like authentication seals.
- Tracking and Tracing: Facilitates product monitoring and recalls.
Packaging and Shipping Regulations in Canada
Food and Drugs Act (F&D Act)
Under the F&D Act, a meal package includes anything that contains or touches edibles during the packaging process, distribution, or retail. This covers:
- Equipment
- Bulk containers
- Transportation vehicles
However, items like kitchen utensils and household wraps aren't included as they're not directly linked to meal sales. Section 4 of the F&D Act prohibits the sale of edibles that:
- Contains harmful substances
- Is unsafe to eat
- Is contaminated or rotten
- Has been tampered with
- Was made or stored in unsanitary conditions
Food and Drug Regulations (FDRs)
|
Section B.23.001 |
Food cannot be sold in wrapping that could release harmful substances. It's the seller's responsibility to ensure packing and shipping is safe. |
|
Section B.01.001 |
Additives are substances that can affect meals, but packing and shipping supplies are excluded from this definition. So, wrapping materials do not need premarket approval, except for infant formula and novel foods. |
|
Section B.23.003 |
Bans the sale of edibles in packages made from polyvinyl chloride that contains octyltin chemicals. |
Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA)
It aims to improve meal safety by providing a consistent inspection process, enhancing traceability, better controlling imports, and increasing penalties for violations. In June 2013, CFIA proposed new regulations under the SFCA, focusing on:
- Proper handling and use of materials.
- Using materials that are suitable and undamaged.
- Not using contaminated or defective wrapping.
How to Address Safety Concerns
Custom Package Solutions
Suppliers provide personalized packages designed specifically for different types of agricultural products to maintain product integrity, prevent contamination, and extend shelf life. This ensures that each product is handled according to its packaging needs.
Focus on Design, Raw Materials, and Shipping Supplies
Effective packaging design, with high-quality raw materials ensures that agricultural items are protected from external factors like moisture, air, and light. Proper shipping supplies and materials are essentials for transporting or warehousing produce to reduce the risk of spoilage and contamination.
Adopting Sustainability
Explore sustainable options to align with regulatory standards and environmental goals. These include reusable packing materials that minimize waste. Adopting eco-friendly practices can reduce your business's environmental impact while you comply with industry standards.
Best Package Materials for Agricultural Products
- Plastic Bags (LDPE, HDPE): Lightweight and moisture-resistant, ideal for bulk and fresh produce wrapping.
- Paper Bags (Kraft Paper): Biodegradable and breathable, suitable for dry goods like grains and flour.
- Foil Pouches: Provides excellent barrier protection against moisture, light, and oxygen, ideal for long-term storage.
- Glass Jars: Offers a non-reactive, airtight seal, perfect for preserving jams, sauces, and pickled items.
- Plastic Containers (PET, PP): Durable and clear, ideal for pre-packaged and visible storage of fruits, vegetables, and other products.
- Metal Cans: Provides strong protection and extended shelf life, commonly used for canned vegetables, fruits, and meats.
- Vacuum Seals: Removes air to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage, ideal for meats and perishable items.
- Clamshells (PET or PP): Rigid and transparent, great for berries, herbs, and other delicate produce.
- Shrink Wrap: Seals and bundles items together while protecting against contamination, suitable for bulk goods and multi-packs.
- Corrugated Cardboard Boxes: Sturdy and stackable, used for bulk shipping and storing various agricultural products.
How to Choose the Best Packing Resources
To ensure the quality of your edibles, always purchase wrapping materials from a trusted supplier. Selecting the wrapping based on the food’s composition is important to provide the best protection and durability throughout its shelf life. Consider these factors when choosing the supplies:
- Wet or dry content
- Acidic or alkaline nature
- Alcohol content
- Fat content
A container suitable for one type of item may not be appropriate for another. Consult with your supplier to find the best package for your specific product.
Cost-Effective Meal Package Selection
|
Type |
Product |
Price |
|
Produce Bag |
$69.95 |
|
|
Clamshells |
$90.95 |
|
|
$34.95 |
||
|
Recyclable Paper Bags |
$67.95 |
|
|
$56.95 |
||
|
Vacuum Seal |
$325.00 |
|
|
Recycled Container |
58oz Microwaveable PP White Rectangular Container W/ Lid - 150 Sets |
$62.95 |
|
Wraps |
$72.95 |
|
|
$46.95 |
Pack Your Food Products Safely
Choosing the right containers is crucial for maintaining the safety and quality of agricultural products. With an extensive selection of materials, you can ensure your items remain fresh, secure, and compliant with regulations. Opting for the right solutions helps prevent contamination and spoilage, which can save time and money.
Patek Packaging offers a variety of attractive, cost-effective options to meet your needs. Explore our stock to find the best fit for your products and let your customers experience reliable delivery and excellent meal services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Canada regulate food?
In Canada, sustenance is regulated by three key federal departments:
- Health Canada sets regulations and standards to ensure the nutritional quality and safety of all foods sold. They evaluate scientific evidence and manage health risks related to edibles. This includes monitoring food-borne diseases and enforcing the FDA and its regulations.
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) enforces these regulations, focusing on safety and overseeing packaging, labelling, and advertising.
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) helps the industry understand regulations and supports the development of new food products for the marketplace.
What should I know about consumer packing and labelling regulations?
These rules ensure prepackaged products have clear and accurate labels, so clients can make informed choices. They prevent misleading or false information and require labels to be consistent. Mandatory information includes bilingual details, product name, net quantity, and units of measurement.
What are the different package types?
- Primary: The main package holding the product, visible at the point of sale.
- Secondary: Groups primary packages into one container (e.g., a cardboard box with multiple products inside).
- Tertiary: Combines secondary packages into a pallet or large container for easier shipping and storage.