The NAM CSSTC and Indonesia Organised a Training on Food Labelling and Food Packaging
It is a consumer right to be provided with clear labelling for food. The regulation will inform consumers of the amount, the date of minimum lifespan or any particular storage instructions and terms and conditions of use of certain substances. In addition, in order to protect items from the interaction of substances surrounding them, food packaging also plays a major role in maintaining product quality. Packaging can also be seen as a blank canvas beneficial for the creation of stories and the construction of brand identities for consumers.
The labelling and packaging rules for food differ, however, from country to country. The rules on the labelling foodstuffs in every country are distinct. Anyone producing or selling can create their own label. Some countries, for example, are quite concerned with the halal designation, while certain countries are not very concerned about it.
A course could be a reference point for achieving a consistent perspective among countries, even though food labelling and packaging requirements are varied. In order to prevent food vendors intentionally misleading consumers through false representations in a package there are certain items which must be on every label and each product’s packing. Laws against misleading information are appropriate independently from the obligation or voluntariness of labelling information to be provided.
The Non-Aligned Movement Centre for South-South Technical Cooperation in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia organised a “Online Training Course on Food Labelling and Food Packaging,” held from 29th to 30th of June 2021. The course was presented by experts from the Indonesian Centre for Agricultural Training of Lembang. NAM CSSTC has also opted out to focus on the post-harvest sector, which comprises agricultural products labelling and packing.
The training focused on everything from packaging to labelling and the requirements for food labelling to comparison of the food labelling legislations in participating countries. This training course was attended by 57 individuals from the countries of Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. The majority came from the entrepreneurial sector, while education sectors and government sectors also participated in training.
NAM CSSTC provided 4 leading agriculture trainers/facilitators from the Indonesian Centre for Agricultural Training of Lembang. Participants typically discussed halal certification, the process for food labelling, the application of barcode for food labelling, lifespan of wax coating for vegetable crops and food-safe packaging for edible plastics. Participants were able to learn the material through lectures, discussions and video resources.
88% of those who attended the training were pleased to take part. Some people said the training was important for the present problems of development, while others said the training was important for their work. The contents were also nicely organised and easily trackable, according to the participants. The initiative offers similar training on food packaging materials approved for environmental protection by NAM CSSTC and other associated organisations. (Pangersaning Gusti B.A.)
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