Certified Food Packaging Logos
We have grown and upgraded food businesses over the years with more needed details compared to how it was before.
Customers are becoming more and more aware and smart about what they consume. These days, food packaging is not only about good looks but has expanded to the details of food preparation processes as well.
This brings us to a certified food packaging logo that speaks more than what it displays. They basically denote that the food is safe to consume, especially when they see the Halal logo. More often than not, these logos are implemented to upscale your food businesses.
In Malaysia, you require to pay special attention to some food packaging logos that are essential for your food packages. They help in making your food seem legitimate to consumers.
You also need to look through the rules set by the Food Regulations 1985 for your overall food packaging designs and information to display.
The following are the list of certified food packaging logos you should have especially when releasing in Malaysia.
Certified Food Packaging Logos You Should Have
Buatan Malaysia/Made in Malaysia Logo
The marking of the Made in Malaysia logo is important to symbolize where the product was made and 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 bore this food packaging logo 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”.
Application requirements are:
- The company MUST be registered under SSM.
- Has a valid operating license from the Local Authority.
- Products involve manufacturing process.
- Products MUST be manufactured in Malaysia and contain 51% of local content.
You can put in your application online as well as there are no additional costs for this certification. Refer their official website for more information.
It has instructions on what you should do to get your food packaging design equipped with the logo. Do it for Malaysia!
Suggested read: Pricing and Costing Strategies for Packaged Food
Halal Certification
Malaysia is a Muslim country, thus the Halal food packaging 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.
That being said, Malaysia is also the only country in the world whose 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 are 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 Division Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM).
The service charge rate is usually based on the preset categories you are subjected to depending on the industry category, food premise category and slaughterhouse category your food business is involved in. So, depending on your annual revenue is what the charges are placed – between RM100 to RM300.
To prepare you ahead, look out for the Malaysia Halal certification scheme as below:
- Food product / Beverages / Food Supplement
- Food Premise
- Consumer Goods
- Slaughterhouse
- Logistics
What is the procedure to apply Halal by Jakim?
- Register for Halal with Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
- Hold business license from the Local Authority (PBT).
- Is in full operation before the application is made.
- Produce and/or handle only halal products and in compliance with mentioned Halal standards.
- Sources for ingredients are halal and choose suppliers who supply halal materials.
- Compulsory to produce only halal products.
- Products must use names different from non-halal products.
You can also find out more about the little details of every aspect in the Manual Procedure for Malaysia Halal Certification 2014.
GMP Certification (Good Manufacturing Practice)
What is GMP Certification?
GMP is a series of guidelines that enforce from the beginning of the production process with raw materials until before it reaches to its customers. The primary objective of the GMP food packaging logo is to produce goods with zero defect, maintain adequate quality and high hygiene standards.
Hence, the production standards are set high especially with goods that have a direct effect on human health such as food, pharma, medication, medical equipment and more.
You should know that the GMP applications are part of the main rubrics for the manufacture and distribution of food products. They readily prepare a set of procedures that you should continuously implement in a variety of stages – raw materials, processing, product creation, manufacture, packaging, storage and distribution.
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:
- Record keeping
- Personnel qualifications
- Sanitation
- Cleanliness
- Equipment verification
- Process validation
- Complaint handling
- Quality assurance and quality control
- Recall of commodity
- Audit of internal control and efficiency
- Amenities
- Facilities
- Documentation
Why apply GMP?
GMP certification offers a high degree of confidence that the food manufactured is developed with effective, beneficial and quality methods. Thanks to this food packaging logo, a good degree of reliability and credibility is incorporated into your food business. Hence, with Good Manufacturing Practice Certificate, it helps your brand become more attractive in the competitive market.
GMP Certification Costs
The cost for certification differs according to the size of your business.
| Costs | Big Industry | SME | MICRO |
| Processing Fee | RM – | RM – | RM – |
| New Application Fee | RM 4,700 | RM 3,500 | RM 2,300 |
| Application Renewal Fee | RM 3,500 | RM 2,600 | RM 1,800 |
| Surveillance Application Fee | RM 800 | RM 800 | RM 800 |
Source: Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers
The distinction of the size of your business is defined as below:
Big industry – Consists of more than 150 employees working full-time with yearly business revenue RM25 million and more.
SME – Consists of less than 150 employees working full-time with yearly business revenue below RM25 million
Micro – Consists of less than 5 employees working full-time with yearly business revenue less than RM250,000
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
It is difficult to get this certified logo on your food packaging design, but if acquired, you have the potential to export your product.
What is HACCP in Malaysia?
HACCP is a system for food safety that sets out the hygiene standards required for the development of healthy food products. Also, it points out the factors that can place customers’ health at risk and focus on removing those risks.
Other than that, HACCP uses effective resources and responds timely to food safety problems. By having the HACCP system, it helps in risk management by the food control regulatory authorities.
In the ready-made food sector, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) is extremely significant. For food kept in an oxygen-free form such as vacuuming, minimizes bacteria that cause wastage. However, bacteria still has the potential to strive even in a vacuum.
Hence the justifications of strict HACCP regulations in food production and preserve industry including their shipment to the final destination and end-users. So, having this food packaging logo on your food packaging will automatically build trust from your customers.
Where does the HACCP framework apply?
- Planning
- Processing
- Producing
- Packing
- Storage
- Transportation
- Delivery
- Treating or offering for sale
Pre-requirements:
- Building and environmental conditions
- Equipment specifications for facilities
- Raw materials
- Treatment and sanitation
- Controls for raw materials
- Cold storage protection
- Staff hygiene and training
- Workers’ health status
- Food waste sorting
- Pest control system
- Drainage and water standards
What are the costs to apply HACCP Certification?
HACCP Certification is applicable to Big Industry and SMEs only. And, the updated fees are as follow:
New Application Fees: Big Industry, RM5400; SME, RM4000
Application Renewal Fees: Big Industry, RM4000; SME, RM3000
Surveillance Fees: All, RM900
ISO Certification (International Standards Organization)
What is ISO Certification?
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. This application is typically made through an ISO agency for thorough guidance and proper documentation purposes.
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.
10 Steps to ISO Certification
- Select which management system to certify.
- Determine the scope of certification.
- Appoint a Quality Management Representative (QMR).
- Train current employees or hire experienced management system consultant.
- Conduct communication and training.
- Select the certification body to use.
- Provide information for the certification application.
- Proceed with certification if no conformance found.
- Annual external auditing.
- Re-certification audit upon expiration.
Grow your food business with the right food packaging logo.
Different food packaging logos have different function and impact on consumers in general. Hence, before putting in your applications on any of these certifications, identify the stage of your food business. Later, figure out which certifications will complement your food business to the next level.
Food businesses are best expanded via the existence of food packaging logos that contribute to the revenue.
Also, if you require a clearer understanding of these certifications or even design your food packaging, you can reach out to our consultant today!
