What changes can we expect in packaged food labeling in the future?

　　Key Highlight: In recent years, with the frequent occurrence of food safety emergencies, public attention to food labeling has steadily increased. Consumer complaints arising from inaccuracies in the information provided on food labels have become increasingly common, prompting national authorities to place greater emphasis on food labeling and related requirements and to introduce a series of relevant regulations and policies aimed at standardizing the labeling of packaged foods. At the same time, the development of food labeling is trending toward greater diversification.

　　As consumer awareness of food safety continues to rise, the demand for more comprehensive information on food labels has grown. In recent years, frequent food-safety emergencies have further heightened public attention to food labeling, with complaints arising from inaccuracies or omissions in label information occurring from time to time. Consequently, national authorities have placed greater emphasis on food labeling and its requirements, introducing a series of relevant regulations and policies to standardize the labeling of packaged foods. At the same time, food-labeling practices are evolving toward greater diversity.

　　Standardization and regularization

　　According to reports, the mandatory national standard GB 4806.1-2016, “General Safety Requirements for Food Contact Materials,” came into effect on October 19. The author has learned that, for single-use packaging products that come into direct contact with food, the packaging labels must bear the markings “For Food Contact” or “For Food Packaging.” In addition, the labels must include information such as the product name, material composition, manufacturer’s name and address, contact details, date of manufacture, applicable standards, and instructions for use. Furthermore, the label must remain affixed to the smallest sales package and cannot be separated from it. Products with special usage requirements must also clearly indicate the method of use, precautions, intended applications, operating environment, and recommended temperature range. The author believes that the implementation of this policy not only further refines the regulations governing food-contact materials but also provides a solid basis for the labeling of food products.

　　In addition, labeling requirements for infant formula are becoming increasingly stringent. According to available information, the National Medical Products Administration has issued the “Technical Guidance Principles for Labeling of Infant Formula Product Formulation Registration (Trial)” which sets out strict regulations on product name requirements, label format requirements, prohibited labeling claims, and optional labeling content, among other labeling requirements. For example, claims regarding nutrient content and functional benefits on infant formula labels must comply with the terminology stipulated in the National Food Safety Standards. The author has learned that any claims about nutrient content or functional benefits that go beyond the scope of the current National Food Safety Standards may only be used if they have been approved by the health administrative department under the State Council. Furthermore, all such claims included in the label draft must be presented in textual form on non-primary display surfaces.

　　Digitalization and intelligentization

　　With the continuous advancement of information technology, food labels are becoming increasingly digital and intelligent. As a result, traditional printing can no longer meet the growing demand for personalized and variable-data printing, making the market trend toward greater adoption of digital printing ever more pronounced. Some printing companies have embarked on fully intelligent packaging-label production; for example, Hebei Xindong Printing has introduced high-end equipment such as flexographic presses and anti-counterfeiting systems, while continuously developing a wide range of anti-counterfeiting technologies to enhance the security features of sophisticated food packaging. This approach seamlessly integrates aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, blending style with cutting-edge technology, and progressively supports the strategic goal of exporting premium packaging products to overseas markets.

　　In fact, the intelligence of food packaging is primarily embodied in its labels, with barcodes and QR codes being common examples of smart label applications in everyday life. The author has learned that a Finnish company has launched a “smart” bottle of premium Kalevala gin featuring Thinfilm’s NFC SpeedTap™ labels. Each SpeedTap label is unique and virtually impossible to clone; thanks to NFC technology, it can be read using a smartphone or other NFC-enabled device, which will significantly enhance customer loyalty and strengthen brand promotion.

　　Smart labels not only enable interactive engagement between consumers and products but also allow for the assessment of food quality. According to reports, the Japanese design studio TO-GENKYO has developed a smart label with a special coating that changes color in response to variations in ammonia concentration, thereby providing a visual indication of food freshness.

　　Greening and environmental protection

　　As the concept of energy conservation and environmental protection continues to gain traction, various sectors are responding accordingly—and the food-labeling industry is no exception. The author has learned that the green and eco-friendly transformation of labels is primarily reflected in the choice of materials. For instance, Singapore has introduced a series of green and environmentally friendly labels. Compared with traditional materials, these new labels are more cost-effective and better aligned with sustainable development goals. With ongoing advances in science and technology and the growing emphasis on energy conservation and environmental protection, food labels are poised to move further toward greener, more eco-friendly designs.

　　To this end, the author believes that as consumers’ awareness of health and safety continues to grow, they will place greater emphasis on label information. Food processing and food packaging companies should therefore closely monitor emerging trends in food labeling and prioritize the continuous improvement of labeling practices. At the same time, the packaging machinery manufacturing industry must also stay attuned to developments in the food labeling sector and keep pace with the times in order to avoid losing sight of its strategic direction.