The years have shown just how far food packaging design has come, from having intricate and eye catching designs, to food packaging designs that aid in the food preparation process.
However, there are a few things that are paid special attention to when food packages are being designed, especially when it comes from a country that requires special indication to show that it is “safe” to consume, like the Halal logo.
Here in Malaysia, some of these specifics logos are essential to be placed on food packages. This helps in making your food packaging design seem legitimate to consumers. Apart from logos, there are several other rules to follow when packaging food set by the Food Regulations 1985 summarized here 11 Rules for Food Packaging and Labeling in Malaysia.
The following list lists out important logos food packaging designs should have, specifically here in Malaysia.
#1 GMP Certification (Good Manufacturing Practice)
GMP is an certification scheme that helps manufacturers of food products and food related items get accreditation from their clients to indicate that the products they produce are produced in a hygienic way and in agreement to best practices in manufacturing.
GMP is one of the pre-requisite programmes (PRP) needed to be built up before Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) can be implemented. Having GMP accreditation would without a doubt make it less demanding for the HACCP implementation and accreditation.
GMP regulations address issues including:
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#2 Halal Certification
Malaysia is a muslim country, thus the Halal logo on food packaging designs are a must have.The Halal Certification provides a guarantee to all Muslim consumers because it coincides with the Syariah law, which is obliged by Muslims. To the non-Muslims, Halal products are considered quality products, as HDC (Halal Industry Development Corporation) strongly advises all Halal certification applicants to adhere with GMP and HACCP requirements.
Products that are certified Halal by JAKIM are Halal products which are safe to consume or use. Malaysia is also the only country in the world hows government supports the promotion of the Halal Certification process of products and services.
If you have a product or service that you wish to put out in the market soon, but have yet to apply for the Halal certification, you can do so through www.halal.gov.my and send all necessary documents to the Halal Hub Devision Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM).
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#3 HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
The HACCP System deals with food safety management. Its approach to prevent food safety problems is by controlling critical points in food. Other than that, HACCP uses effective resources and responds timely to food safety problems. By having the HACCP system, it will help in risk management by the food control regulatory authorities. Thus, this could promote and increase international trade, and consumers confidence in food safety.
The plan for an application process for the HACCP depends on the particular food. The system is capable of compromising with changes such as with the advances in equipment design, new risks, processing procedure or even with technological developments. It is difficult to get this logo on your food packaging design, but if acquired, you have potential to export your product.
#4 ISO Certification (International Standards Organization)
The ISO is a voluntary international standard that provides state of the art specifications for products, services, and management systems for breaking down barriers to international trade. Similar to HACCP, it is difficult to get, but it is a benefit if acquired.
Based on a survey that was done in 2011, there was a total of 10,757 companies who were certified ISO 9001, for Management Quality System, which was a 25% increase compared to 2010. There was also a 16% increase in companies certified with ISO 14001, Environmental Management System from 2010.
Source: [centrexconsultancy]
#5 Buatan Malaysia/Made in Malaysia Logo
The marking of the made in Malaysia Logo is important to symbolize where the product was made and it also acts to prioritize Malaysian goods. This is one of the components of the campaign approach by the industry itself to enhance Malaysian interest to consume Malaysian products offered in markets.
Every Malaysian product, especially food products bared this mark on their food packaging design and should be done by law based on the Industrial Co-ordination Act 1975 [Act 1975], “Means a person who is engaged in any manufacturing activity”.If you would like to apply for the application of the Made in Malaysia logo onto your food packaging design, refer to www.kpdnkk.gov.my and click under Trader >Business development >Made in Malaysia logo (marking). It has instructions on what you should do to get your food packaging design equipped with the logo. Do it for Malaysia!
Updated link : https://www.kpdnhep.gov.my/en/trade/business/business/business/business/logo-buatan-malaysia/introduction.html
Conclusion
These are the important must have logos on your food packaging design. With these logos on, consumers would be more trusting of your brand and product. This also shows prove that your product(s) is/are legitimate.
Does your food packaging design have these logos? Were there any logos not mentioned in this post? Do you have any questions or concerns? Do hit us up in the comments section below and we will be sure to get back to you!
Hi my company is designing a box packaging for storing frozen durian. we have applied for ISO22000,Halal,GMP,HACCP. Do you have any idea if we can just use the logos found online for printing on the packaging? or must we obtain approved logo file to use for the packaging??? if so, can you help me find the logos?
Hi Ivan,
Thanks for your enquiry.
You CAN NOT simply get the logos of ISO22000, HALAL, GMP and HACCP from internet and print it on your packaging. You have to apply it through specific agencies for the approval.
For example : Halal logo >> http://www.halal.gov.my
Hope it helps.
Where can I find a GMP consultancy as we like to apply GMP Thanks
Hi, can I ask, if I’m importing some vacuum-sealed packaged food from Hong Kong to sell in malaysia, open a franchise, where can I get approval and register all the required certified logo, and necessary procedures etc? Many thanks.
Hi There. Im a new start up and was planning on a new beverage on a small scale? whom do i consult for packaging, licence and distribution?
Good afternoon.
If a product HACCP not certified by MOH but from other external party such as SGS, can the logo put on the packaging?
Hi, i plan to import brown sugar to malaysia to resell. What logo or test i should go through. Thanks in advance.
MeSTI certification is free, but compulsory to every food-manufacturing operator as opposed to the GMP and HACCP, which are voluntary, and there are fees imposed for those certifications. For the Malaysian Halal certification procedure, MeSTI certification is prerequisite before applying for Halal certificate.