DLC and labeling in the kitchen: what the HACCP method requires

In the kitchen, labeling food products and tracking use-by dates (DLC) are part of hygiene requirements. Here is the essential information and the role labels play in an HACCP approach.

What the regulations require

Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 requires establishments to implement procedures based on HACCP principles. Among these is the traceability of opened or processed food products, with a clear use-by date.

The role of the use-by date label

A use-by date label indicates the product name, the manufacturing or opening date, and the expiry date. It must be legible, clean, and easy to remove without leaving residue on the container.

Why linerless labels are suitable

Free of BPA, linerless labels are ideal for this use. The repositionable adhesive peels off cleanly from trays and containers, preventing residue and making cleaning easier. The 58 mm size is the most common for these labels.

Controlling the risk of foreign objects

A clean label is always better than a staple or a piece of tape, which can become a foreign object. This is a point your HACCP plan must address.

Getting equipped

To print your use-by dates, a linerless printer like the Star Micronics mC-Label3 and 58 mm rolls cover most kitchen needs.

This article provides general information and does not replace personalized regulatory advice.