Prevention starts with insight

What lies beneath

Packaging hazards are often less visible than microbiological or physical risks, yet they are just as critical.

It requires knowledge of:

• Materials and migration properties
• Legislation for food contact materials
• Current incidents such as PFAS or MOSH and MOAH
• The translation of these risks into HACCP, GIRA, and control measures

Only a structured approach ensures that risks are not only identified, but also controlled and monitored before they occur.

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Leadership in packaging safety

Managing packaging risks requires collaboration between QA, specification management, R&D, and procurement. Leadership means taking responsibility across the supply chain and ensuring that assessment, control, and updates of packaging safety are carried out consistently. Organisations that keep their hazard analysis up to date are not only safer, they are better prepared for inspections, recalls, and market requirements.

Three levels of development

Compliance | Identifying regulated hazards

Mapping all regulated hazards related to packaging materials. A structured risk assessment is in place based on HACCP methodology. Reliable databases and legislative overviews are used. The focus is on compliance with legislation and GFSI standards.

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Compliance+ | Including emerging risks

Extending the assessment beyond regulated risks to include emerging hazards identified through sources such as alert systems and scientific publications. Preventive control measures are implemented, and testing and monitoring are integrated into the system.

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Strategic | Dynamic risk assessment and integration

Integrating hazard analysis into change management processes. New developments are identified early and translated into policies, processes, and product development. Risk assessment becomes dynamic, up to date, and a driver for innovation, safety, and transparency, strengthening both compliance and trust across the supply chain.

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What it delivers

A mature approach to packaging hazards provides:

• Demonstrable compliance with European legislation and GFSI requirements
• Reduced risk of recalls and food safety incidents
• Increased awareness of emerging risks
• Stronger collaboration between QA, specification management, and procurement
• Trust from customers, auditors, and supply chain partners

Packaging safety is not a detail. It is a fundamental condition for safe and reliable food.

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Where do you stand?

Do you have a clear overview of packaging related risks? Are your risk assessments up to date? Are emerging hazards included? And is your risk assessment aligned with your materials, processes, and supply chain? Mérieux NutriSciences | Expert Partners helps you build insight, structure, and control so you not only comply, but stay ahead.