Labelling boxes and pallets

• Labels should be printed and used in the packhouse in a tightly controlled manner.
• Before use, all new labels should be approved. This will involve the printer operator receiving a specification from the commercial manager. A specimen label should be printed and passed back to the commercial manager for checking and finally sending to the customer for approval.
• On a daily basis, the printer will check labels against the specification/specimen and print only sufficient for the intended order with 2 extra for label print records. The print number should be recorded in the label print records.
• Labels should be checked at the start of the print run and at the end of the run.
• Where bar codes are an integral part of the label, they should also be scanned with a suitable approved scanner to ensure that the bar codes are readable and are carrying the correct information.
• Printed labels will then be passed to the supervisor, who will check the labels and sign for acceptance.
• Any unused labels must be returned, destroyed, and recorded in label print records.
• The same procedures are applicable for box end and product (polybag) labels
• Labels applied to RDTs should be securely placed in the designated position. If labels become dislodged, valuable information on traceability will be lost, in addition to the risk of rejection by the customer depot QC.
• Some of the multiple sorting systems depend on label presence and accuracy; therefore label compliance will become ever more critical in the future.
• In addition to box end labelling, pallets should also have a large clear destination label placed in a prominent position.
• Some multiples require a standard bar coded pallet label usually colour coded as well. This will soon become the standard for all.
• All pallets should be checked for correct labels as part of final inspection, before despatch.