This article discusses supervisory on food packaging in India. Here, the manufacturer of the packaging and the filler are responsible for the properties of the food packaging and its
compliance with legal requirements. The packaging ink suppliers are responsible for the composition of the formulations.

IS 15945 states that it is the responsibility of the printer and the converter to ensure
that the food packages are manufactured and stored such that no preventable transfer of material takes place.

“IS 15945 mandates the brand-owners to use inks for their packaging material which are complying with the standard,” says Jatin Takkar, head of product safety & regulations, Siegwerk India. “The main idea is there should not be interaction between packaging material and constituents of the food in quantities, which may endanger human health. This could affect the nature, substance and/or quality of food.”

Jorg-Peter Langhammer, head of global PSR, Siegwerk says, “Consumers have become critical about their personal well-being and health. The importance of consumer safety portals set up by authorities is growing on a worldwide level.”

FSSAI has revamped their standard on packaging and labelling by implementing IS 15945, by laying more emphasis on packaging safety by bringing a specific regulation focused on food safety aspects of the packaging material. 

Ink requisite in India as per FSSAI mandate

For external food packaging, inks can be formulated freely, but must not contain toxic substances. Also, the same requisite applies for printing on disposables such as paper plates, drinking straws or table napkins.

Printing inks on immediate food wrappers demands it be printed outside the wrapper and to avoid set-off. And, the cover must not interact with the food constituents, otherwise it may endanger human health and affect the quality of food.

Under guidelines by the Government of India, for direct food contact applications the inks must comprise of food additives only. This ensures that packaging materials manufactured such that if it comes in contact with food shall be of food-grade quality.

The regulation lays down specific requirements for food packaging including plastics, glass, metal, paper and board. The printed surface of packaging material shall not come into direct contact with food products.