The Importance of Date Coding in the Food Industry
the production and expiration dates on a product . Accurate and readable coding is not only a legal requirement but also a fundamental element of brand reliability.
However, incorrect date coding can both put consumers' health at risk and lead to costly recalls for manufacturers. Therefore, understanding date coding errors and implementing the correct solutions is crucial for food manufacturers.
5 Common Mistakes in Date Coding
1. Unreadable or Deleted Codes
Food packaging is made of different materials: plastic, glass, metal, cardboard, flexible film… If the wrong ink or inappropriate coding technology is chosen, codes can be erased within a few days or become unreadable by scanners.
Solution: A technology appropriate for the packaging surface should be selected. For example, laser marking should be used for glass and metal packaging, while suitable solvent-based inkjet inks should be used for plastic bottles and flexible packaging.
2. Incorrect Positioning
Printing date codes in the wrong areas prevents consumers from easily seeing the information. Furthermore, printing date codes on barcodes or on packaging fold lines can cause serious problems in the retail chain.
Solution: With photocell integration, printing should be done at the correct point on each package, and the coding area should be specifically determined in the package design.
3. Lack of Standards in Coding Format
Some manufacturers simply write "TETT," while others use "SKT" or simply the date. This discrepancy can confuse consumers and regulatory authorities.
Solution: A clear and understandable format that complies with national and international standards should be used: Day/Month/Year or ISO format (YYYY-MM-DD).
4. Wrong Ink or Tone Selection
If light-colored ink is not used, the date information can become invisible, especially on dark-colored packaging. Insufficient contrast can completely eliminate the code's functionality.
Solution: High-contrast inks suitable for the surface should be preferred, and if necessary, white pigment inks should be used. In laser applications, contrast should be increased through parameter settings.
5. Inadequate Quality Control
Even if coding devices are working on the production line, defective products may be released to the market if there is no quality control system to guarantee the readability of the codes.
Solution: Camera-based verification systems should ensure that codes are checked at every stage. This allows for immediate detection of faulty prints and resolution without stopping the production line.
Date Coding Technologies in the Food Industry
Inkjet Coding
- Provides flexibility in high-speed production lines.
- It can be applied to a wide variety of packaging with different ink options.
- It is preferred due to its low initial investment cost.
Laser marking
- It provides permanent and indelible coding.
- It is a hygienic, non-consumable and environmentally friendly method.
- It is especially ideal for glass bottles, metal cans and products with a long shelf life.
Sectoral Application Examples
Milk and Dairy Products
Humidity and low temperatures in milk packaging make it difficult for ink to adhere. Therefore, suitable solvent-based inks or laser technology should be preferred.
Beverage Industry
Laser marking on glass and PET bottles ensures readability and permanence. It also integrates easily into high-speed filling lines.
Ready-made Food
Ink selection plays a critical role in flexible film packaging. Failure to use fast-drying inks can lead to contamination issues on the production line.
Tips to Increase Coding Speed and Quality
- Select the appropriate ink and device for the packaging surface.
- Ensure synchronization to line speed with encoder and photocell integration.
- Define the code format clearly and understandably.
- Ensure 100% accuracy with camera-based quality control systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which method is most durable for date coding?
Laser marking is the most durable solution for glass and metal packaging. Inkjet with suitable solvent-based inks can be preferred for plastic and flexible packaging.
2. How can codes be prevented from being erased?
By selecting the appropriate ink for the packaging surface and setting the correct parameters, codes will not be erased.
3. Is the date format mandatory?
Yes. In Turkey and many markets, the day/month/year format is mandatory. Labels must also include the phrase "SKT" or "TETT."
4. Is camera-based quality control expensive?
While there is an initial investment cost, it's much more economical than the cost of recalling faulty products.
Date coding on food packaging isn't just a legal requirement; it's a critical process for consumer safety and brand reputation. Mistakes may seem simple, but they can have serious consequences. With the right technology, the right ink, and robust quality control methods, these errors can be prevented.
Electrojet supports manufacturers in accurate, permanent and reliable date coding with inkjet and laser solutions specific to the food industry.
👉 For more content about coding solutions specific to the food industry, you can visit our Electrojet Blog page.
