GS1 Ireland : Food Packaging Traceability Law

Food Packaging Traceability Law

Regulation 1935/2004

In 2004, the EU Commission’s Food Traceability Regulation 1935/2004 was introduced to ensure that all materials coming into contact with food be identifiable to ensure safety. This regulation will become compulsory from October 27th of this year.

Food contact materials include:

· Packaging materials

· Cutlery

· Dishes

· Food processing machines

· Containers

· Materials and articles which are in contact with water intended for human consumption (but not fixed water supply equipment)

GS1 Ireland will be working with member companies in Ireland to facilitate compliance with this regulation through the use of the GS1 System. The GS1 System is particularly well suited to be used for traceability purposes because of its ability to provide globally unique identification of trade items, assets, logistic units, parties and locations. GS1 Ireland is not looking at compliance with this regulation in a country specific, stand alone way.

Implementation of best practice traceability is a global issue which will facilitate not only the traceability of imports into Ireland, but also the ability for Irish companies to operate the same standard as the companies they are exporting to wherever they are in the world.