Misunderstandings About Food Grade Bulk Bags

There are now stricter government regulations for food safety in the packaging industry. Besides there are several guidelines and third-party accreditations that manufacturers and retailers are required to follow. Naturally, there’s bound to be some confusion and misunderstandings. Here we attempt to debunk some myths surrounding food grade bulk bags.

Myth 1: You should look for only FDA approved bags

Fact: FDA approved bags do not exist

You will find many food grade bulk bag manufacturers claiming their bags to be FDA approved, the truth is that FDA does not issue any kind of approval, accreditation, or certificate for FIBCs or FIBC liners. However, FDA does approve that only 100 percent virgin polypropylene resin should come in contact with food. So, when food grade FIBC manufacturers claim that their FIBCs are approved by the FDA, they may mean that the bags are made of 100 percent virgin polypropylene resin and hence as per the FDA standards the bags are appropriate for storing and transporting food.

Read more: Food Grade FIBC Bulk Bags Makes a Fantastic Option for Commercial Food Companies

Myth 2: Any type of FIBC bag can be used for storing food grade products if it uses a food grade liner

Fact: FIBC bag too should be made of 100 % polypropylene resin if it is to be used for food grade products

Not just the liner, but the FIBC bag that comes in contact with food grade products too should be made of 100% virgin polypropylene resin. Use of such bags ensures that no recycled material is used in the manufacturing of the bag. This helps in reducing the chances of contamination.

Further, manufacturing facility for food grade FIBC needs to follow strict norms to ensure highest standards of quality. Manufacturers need to ensure that their food grade bulk bags are produced in BRC certified facility which has proper ventilation, facility for light table inspection, metal detection, and record keeping. Employees should wear a proper uniform and adhere to recommended hygiene standards. A HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) program should also be followed.

 

Myth 3: GFSI accreditation is a must

Fact: GFSI does not offer but recognizes certain third-party accreditations and certifications

It is a myth that GFSI accreditation is a must for food-grade bulk bags. The fact is that GFSI neither has any policy for FIBC manufacturers or retailers nor it undertakes any accreditation or certification activities. The aim of GFSI (Global Food Safety) is to facilitate continuous betterment of food safety management systems which instills confidence in the delivery of safe food to consumers anywhere in the world.

Here are some third-party accreditations/food safety management schemes and certifications that the GFSI does recognize:

• Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC)
• BRC – British Retail Consortium: BRC Global Standard for Packaging & Packaging Materials Issue 4
• International Featured Standards (IFS): IFS PAC secure, Version 1
• SQF – Safe Quality Food Institute: SQF Code 7th Edition; Level 2

Contact Rishi FIBC

Rishi FIBC in India is a globally recognized food grade FIBC manufacturer. Contact us to resolve your queries pertaining to food grade bulk bags or to place an order for customized FIBC bags.

Get in touch with us call: +91-02662-227 100 / 200