BBD printer

A BBD printer (Best-Before-Dates printer) is a machine specifically designed to print best-before dates.

Food must be labeled with certain information to protect consumers and make purchasing decisions easier. This includes the Best-Before-Date (BBD).

Best-before dates usually specify a day, a month and a year. There are, however, exceptions to this rule. If the minimum durability is less than three months, the day and month are sufficient as information. If the shelf life is longer than three months, the month and year are sufficient. If a food has a shelf life of more than one and a half years, one year is sufficient for the proper declaration. However, in cases where no tag is given, the reference must be specified in order to create clarity.

There are different European regulations that regulate best-before dates in food articles. These include:

• Regulation (EC) n° 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety.
• Regulation (EU) n° 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers.
• Commission Regulation (EC) n° 543/2008 of 16 June 2008 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) n° 1234/2007 as regards the marketing standards for poultry meat.

The best-before date and the storage recommendations are determined individually by the respective food producers. This information is based on investigations, studies, empirical values or other verifiable information.

The use-by date indicates the end of shelf life. It applies to sensitive foods that spoil after a short time and thus pose a health risk (e.g. minced meat or fish). The use-by date indicates the last day on which the product can be sold or consumed.

For certain products, in addition to the best-before date or use-by date, there is a storage and use notice (e.g. "Store in a cool and dry place", "Protect from heat and moisture", "Store in a dry place and protected from light"). Harmless consumption is only guaranteed if these instructions are followed.

Goods may be sold in the shop shortly before the best-before date expires provided the packaging is undamaged and they have been stored accordingly. These goods are usually offered at a reduced price and can be found on a separate shelf or section. Since the end of May 2022, it is sufficient for the retailer to indicate that the reduction is due to the short shelf life. The retailer does not have to display the new total price, only the percentage of the price that is reduced.

Food that is still in perfect condition may still be repackaged by the supplier. However, this is not possible for products with a use-by date.

Finally, the indication of the best-before date can be applied indirectly or directly to primary, secondary or tertiary packaging.

A food must be harmless at all times and, despite the extreme conditions from production or storage to consumption by the end customer, demonstrate the same high quality. This also applies to the legibility of the information on ingredients, allergens or origin and to the material used for labeling.

Food labeling is strictly regulated by law. Even the size and position of the information is regulated. Both must be clearly legible in a visible place, in a font at least 1.2 millimeters in size.

Some of the information displayed on food labels is mandatory. This includes the name of the food, ingredients, allergens, nutritional values, best before date/use by date, net quantity, company name or basic price. Additional mandatory information is required for certain foods, such as information on storage or use, freezing date, alcohol content, information on imitations or warnings.

Best-before dates can be printed and applied together with the label. It is also common to apply them to a free space on the pre-printed label during the production process. Weber Marking Systems produces a large range of attention-grabbing stickers and labels that are suitable for food labeling in its own printing site.

Markings such as best-before dates, batch numbers or ingredients can also be applied directly to the packaging (e.g. on packaging films, glossy cardboard). There are numerous options:

1. Thermal transfer printing (TTP)

With TTP, the desired print image is transferred through the selective application of heat. The labeling process is controlled with special labeling software. Industrial inkjet printers are also suitable for direct printing. They are high-resolution and ensure a first-class print image even at extremely high rates.

2. Inkjet printing

Inkjet printers work either with the Drop-on-Demand method (DoD) or with continuous inkjet technology. Continuous inkjet printers work with a continuous jet of ink. With the addition of solvent, the ink dries in milliseconds and remains abrasion-resistant.

3. Laser marking

Laser markers are also used to code food packaging, bottles, cans, screw-top jars or cartons with best-before dates. A laser works without color. It only removes the top layer of color from a product, underneath which the slightly lighter layer becomes visible. Laser marking is suitable for almost all surfaces - you can even mark the food directly (natural branding).

Lasers are efficient, hygienic, work contact-free and have a very long service life of 100,000 operating hours. They do not require any consumables, nor do they have wearing parts.

Weber Marking Systems has more than 55 years of knowledge and practical experience in the field of industrial marking. Our experts support you in the planning, development and installation of an investment-safe solution for your company. Several times a week, our blog presents new topics related to ink, lasers and labels. Numerous practical applications from all sectors are available on our website and YouTube channel.