For produce growers and packers, ensuring the safety and quality of their produce goes beyond just cultivation and storage. Packaging plays a critical role in protecting the freshness and integrity of fruits and vegetables during transportation and storage.

However, navigating the landscape of regulations and compliance can be daunting, especially with overlapping federal, state, and local guidelines.

This blog post will help simplify the essential regulations and resources related to produce packaging in the US, empowering you to make informed decisions for your business.

The Pillars of Compliance:

Three main pillars form the foundation of compliance for produce packaging

1. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act):

Enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the FD&C Act ensures the safety, wholesomeness, and proper labeling of food for human consumption. This includes materials that come into contact with food, encompassing packaging materials like corrugated plastic boxes used for produce.

The key takeaways for produce packaging under the FD&C Act are:

• Safety of Food Contact Substances: Manufacturers must demonstrate the safety of any substances used in food contact articles, including packaging, under their intended use conditions. This involves submitting premarket notifications or adhering to existing regulations for approved materials.

• Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance Notifications: The FDA maintains a publicly available list of approved food contact substances. This resource allows manufacturers and users to verify if the materials used in their packaging comply with the regulations.

2. Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA):

Jointly enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FDA, the FPLA ensures accurate and complete labeling of "consumer commodities," including food and food packaging.

This applies to information displayed on the packaging, such as:

• Product identification: Clearly identifying the type of produce (e.g., apples, tomatoes)
• Net quantity: Accurately displaying the weight, volume, or count of the product
• Manufacturer details: Name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor
• Additional labeling requirements: Specific labeling may be required depending on the type of produce (e.g., organic certification, nutritional information)

For more information on specific labeling requirements under the FPLA, refer to the FTC's official guidance.

3. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Regulations:

While not directly focused on packaging compliance, the USDA plays a role in regulating specific aspects of produce packaging related to:

• Organic certification: Packaging used for organic produce must comply with specific labeling requirements set by the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP).

• Phytosanitary certifications: Packaging used for exporting produce may require specific certifications and labeling to comply with international phytosanitary regulations enforced by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Additional Considerations

Remember, these are just the core federal regulations. Some states and localities may have additional regulations or specific requirements for produce packaging. It's crucial to consult with your state and local government agencies or industry associations to ensure complete compliance throughout your supply chain.

Choosing the Right Plastic Corrugated Box:

Selecting a reliable corrugated plastic box manufacturer who understands the regulatory landscape related to produce packaging is crucial.

Look for companies that:

• Comply with relevant regulations: Ensure they utilize materials approved for food contact and adhere to labeling requirements.
  
  
• Offer guidance and expertise: Partner with a manufacturer who can provide information and support regarding specific regulations and compliance needs.
  
  
• Promote sustainable practices: As environmental considerations become increasingly important, choose manufacturers committed to using recycled materials or offering recyclable packaging options.
  

At Industry Plastic, we are committed to providing not only high-quality corrugated plastic boxes for your produce, but also the knowledge and support you need to navigate the regulatory landscape with confidence.

We understand the importance of compliance and offer readily available information and resources to ensure your packaging meets all the necessary requirements.

By choosing FriendlyBox as your produce shipment boxes, you can focus on what matters most – delivering fresh, high-quality produce to your customers.

Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and learn how our corrugated plastic boxes can help you achieve both sustainability and compliance in your packaging solutions.