Introduction

In India’s dairy industry, packaging is not just a means to contain a product, but a protection and a quality guarantee to the customer. The use of appropriate and legally compliant food-grade packaging materials for dairy products is not just a matter of good business practice but a legal necessity enforced by the FSSAI. In this blog, we will outline what dairy businesses need to know for the packaging compliance. Selecting the appropriate food-grade packaging materials for dairy is an essential stage that shields your products, your customers and your brand from potential concerns. Knowing these rules is essential for ensuring safe packaging for milk products and keeping the confidence of one's customers.

Understanding Food-Grade Packaging for Dairy Products

Definition and Importance

Food grade packaging is a term to describe packaging which is safe for direct contact with food. This means that they will not transfer any harmful substances, chemicals or toxins to the dairy and therefore preserving the taste or quality of the product. The emphasis of using food-grade packaging materials for dairy cannot be overstated. It serves as a shield to protect against contamination from environmental factors like light, oxygen and microorganisms that can alter the nutrients and vitamins in milk. Proper packaging protects a product's integrity from plant to consumer’s home.

Common Food-Grade Packaging Materials

There are different materials used in the dairy sector based on their unique properties which makes them suitable for various dairy products. Some of these food-grade packaging materials for dairy include:

Plastics: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) are among the most common materials for milk pouches and bottles, as they are cheap and easy to handle. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is also used for bottles and containers.
Glass: Glass bottles are not used as frequently, but are still in circulation. They are useful in protecting contents, but are heavier and more fragile.
Cartons (Tetra Paks): These are laminated containers usually consisting of layers of paper, polyethylene and aluminum foil, that act as a barrier against light and oxygen and keep liquid milk for a longer period of time, particularly for UHT milk. This is an excellent example of safe packaging for milk products.

FSSAI Guidelines for Packaging Milk and Dairy Products

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made it mandatory for Food Business Operators (FBOs) to comply with the FSSAI dairy packaging guidelines for the dairy products.

Approved Materials for Liquid Milk, Butter, Ghee, and Paneer

FSSAI states that for primary packaging, only food-grade packaging materials are mandated. There are specific regulations for different kinds of safe packaging materials which include different type of plastics. For example:

Liquid Milk: LLDPE, LDPE, and HDPE are generally approved for pouches and bottles.
Butter: Need to have fat-resistant packaging, which typically made of laminated materials like vegetable parchment with aluminum foil to prevent odor absorption and assure packaging freshness.
Ghee: Plastics like HDPE, PET and tin containers are used. Choice of food-grade packaging materials for dairy is largely dependent on product characteristics.
Cheese/Paneer: Cheese packaging must be designed in such a way to limit moisture loss and inhibit the growth of mold often with plastic films, lidded trays or vacuum packaging.

Labeling and Safety Requirements

In addition to the material, the FSSAI dairy packaging guidelines also include strict processing and labelling rules:

Hygienic Process: The Filling and Sealing of containers shall be carried out mechanically and automatically to prevent contamination.
Tamper-Evident: The Packaging should be sealed in such a way that it will be evident if a package was opened.
Labeling: Essential Information such as Product Name, FSSAI license number, “best before” date, list of ingredients and allergen declarations (if available) shall be clearly displayed on all packages. These standards for food-grade packaging materials for dairy allow consumers to make informed choices.

Risks of Using Non-Food-Grade Packaging

Employing inferior or non-compliant packaging comes with risks that have the potential to both harm a business’s reputation and impact its financials. Appropriate food-grade packaging materials for dairy are the must-have ingredients for the business.

Contamination and Health Hazards

Poor quality, non-food-grade materials in the packaging or processing lines can leach toxins such as plasticizers, heavy metals and other chemicals into milk and dairy products. This chemical can contamination cause both acute and chronic health problems for consumers and may include digestive problems to long-term chronic diseases. This defeats the entire purpose of providing safe packaging for milk products.

Legal and Financial Penalties

Using inappropriate food-grade packaging materials for dairy products is punishable with fines, stock seizure, license suspension or cancellation, and even legal prosecution. The financial damage and reputational damage from such penalties will be devastating for any dairy business. It is necessary to follow the FSSAI dairy packaging guidelines.

Best Practices for Dairy Businesses

Dairy companies should consider the following best practices to ensure they are compliant and build consumer confidence:

Choosing the Right Packaging Material

Select food-grade packaging materials for dairy based on the product’s specific characteristics such as fat and moisture content and shelf-life requirements. Always source materials from reliable suppliers who can assure the material is food grade and meets Indian Standards (IS) with the relevant certification.

Storage and Handling Procedures

Packaging materials should be stored in a clean, dry, and vermin-free place, isolated from any chemical or contaminant. They should never be placed directly on the floor. Assembling and packing preparation should also be carried under hygienic conditions. These are the essential steps for the safe packaging for milk products.

Ensuring Compliance Through Regular Audits

Perform frequent internal audits of your packaging inventory, storage practices and production lines to continually align with FSSAI dairy packaging guidelines. Keeping track of your suppliers, the material certifications and audit findings is important for traceability and can show you are performing due diligence.

How Lawfinity Helps Dairy Businesses With Packaging Compliance

Understanding how to deal with FSSAI rules and regulations can be a little tricky. At, Lawfinity, we are specialist in providing dairy businesses the necessary legal and compliance frameworks which they must understand. Whether from vetting suppliers of food-grade packaging materials for dairy, developing your internal audit checklists, or reviewing your labels for legal compliance, our experts provide guidance to help you run your business confidently and avoid costly penalties. We ensure that your company is FSSAI complaint with all FSSAI dairy packaging guidelines.