Food Contact Materials and Packaging Safety

Programme Summary

Evaluate packaging suitability through intended use, supplier evidence and controlled specification decisions. Participants examine chemical migration, physical protection, contamination risks and the relationship between food type, contact conditions and packaging performance. Case exercises develop a structured packaging review, helping technical and purchasing teams identify unsupported claims, commission relevant testing and manage material changes without compromising product safety.

Training Objectives

1 Connect packaging suitability with intended food contact use; 2 Improve interpretation of supplier compliance and test evidence; 3 Strengthen control of migration and contamination concerns; 4 Develop reliable packaging specification and change review; 5 Support technical purchasing and laboratory coordination.

Learning Outcomes

1 Define relevant food contact and use conditions; 2 Evaluate supplier declarations and test coverage; 3 Identify packaging safety and evidence gaps; 4 Prepare a proportionate verification and change plan; 5 Document a justified packaging suitability recommendation.

Target Audience

Packaging Technologists; Food Safety Managers; Quality Assurance Managers; Technical Buyers; Product Development Technologists; Supplier Quality Engineers.

Target Industries

Food Packaging Manufacturing; Packaged Food Production; Beverage Manufacturing; Food Importing; Private Label Retail.

Course Contents

• Module 1 Packaging Safety Scope and Responsibilities: Food contact materials and intended uses; Product protection contamination and information functions; Technical purchasing and supplier responsibilities.
• Module 2 Materials and Food Contact Conditions: Plastics paper metals glass and coatings; Food composition temperature time and contact area; Single use reuse and processing compatibility.
• Module 3 Chemical Migration and Exposure Concepts: Migration mechanisms and relevant influencing factors; Overall and specific migration concepts; Non intentionally added substances and evidence needs.
• Module 4 Supplier Documentation and Specifications: Define material composition and intended conditions; Review declarations restrictions and supporting records; Traceability and change notification expectations.
• Module 5 Testing and Evidence Interpretation: Match test conditions to intended use; Laboratory competence and method limitations; Identify unsupported extrapolation and incomplete coverage.
• Module 6 Physical Integrity and Contamination Controls: Seal closure and barrier performance; Foreign bodies handling and storage hygiene; Printing inks adhesives and set off risks.
• Module 7 Change Management and Approval: Material supplier process and product changes; Risk assessment testing and approval responsibilities; Obsolete stock and revised specification control.
• Module 8 Packaging Review Case: Assess a fictional specification and test pack; Identify restrictions and further evidence needs; Present approval conditions and verification priorities.

Assessment

• 40 single best answer questions, including applied scenarios; one mark per question.
• 60 minute invigilated digital examination with identity verification. Approved accessibility adjustments preserve the assessed competence.
• Supplied reference sheets permitted; messaging, internet searches and external AI assistance prohibited.
• Individual applied assessment (30 minutes): Evaluate a packaging specification, declaration and test report against supplied food contact conditions; identify evidence gaps and recommend approval conditions, further testing and change controls.
• Assessment criteria: Accurate match between material evidence and intended use; Critical evaluation of migration and performance limitations; Practical verification and controlled approval recommendations.
• Pass each component separately: 30/40 written marks (75%) and at least 70% on the applied task.
• All mandatory criteria must pass: Do not approve packaging beyond the conditions supported by available safety evidence.
• Individual results and feedback are provided. One reassessment may follow coaching under the published enrolment terms.

Certification

• Successful learners receive a TQCSI Arabia digital Certificate of Successful Completion.
• The certificate records the learner name, exact programme title, teaching hours, completion date and unique verification reference.
• Verified identity, full attendance and separate written and applied passes are required; all mandatory critical criteria must be met.
• Proposed issue target: within 30 calendar days of approved results and settlement of applicable fees.
• Records packaging safety evaluation learning; it does not constitute material certification, regulatory approval or laboratory testing authorisation.
• Attendance confirmation may record completed hours for unsuccessful learners; it does not certify successful completion.

Programme Profile

Number of daysNumber of daysNumber of days

222

Total teaching hoursTotal teaching hoursTotal teaching hours

12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.

Delegates allowedDelegates allowedDelegates allowed

Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.

Training prerequisitesTraining prerequisitesTraining prerequisites

Basic food safety knowledge and familiarity with packaging specifications or product development are recommended.Basic food safety knowledge and familiarity with packaging specifications or product development are recommended.Basic food safety knowledge and familiarity with packaging specifications or product development are recommended.

Pre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessment

Review a fictional packaging specification and intended use statement; complete a 30 minute evidence review diagnostic.Review a fictional packaging specification and intended use statement; complete a 30 minute evidence review diagnostic.Review a fictional packaging specification and intended use statement; complete a 30 minute evidence review diagnostic.

End of course assessmentEnd of course assessmentEnd of course assessment

40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).

Passing criteriaPassing criteriaPassing criteria

75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance. All mandatory criteria must pass.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance. All mandatory criteria must pass.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance. All mandatory criteria must pass.