Food & Beverage Packaging: Why Printing Dates and Codes Matters

In the food and beverage industry, packaging is more than just branding — it’s a line of defence for consumer safety, a tool for regulatory compliance, and a foundation for trust. Among the essential elements of this packaging are the printed dates and product codes. These small, often overlooked details can be the difference between a compliant, trustworthy brand and a costly recall or reputational fallout.

1. Consumer Safety Comes First

Printing production dates, best-before dates, and expiration dates is essential for consumer safety. Food and beverage products are perishable, and consuming them beyond safe timelines can lead to health risks. Clear date markings empower customers to make informed decisions and protect businesses from liability in the event of spoilage or contamination.​

2. Regulatory Compliance Isn’t Optional

Food labelling laws are stringent across various regions. Authorities such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK require specific information to be printed on all consumable packaging. Non-compliance can result in product recalls, fines, or shutdowns. Date and code printing is not optional—it’s a legal necessity.​

3. Traceability & Recall Management

In cases of contamination or other issues, product codes and batch numbers are critical for tracing the problem back to its source. They enable manufacturers to identify which products need to be recalled, minimising financial damage and limiting risk to consumers. Without proper codes, recalls can become extensive, potentially requiring the destruction of entire product lines.​

4. Shelf Life Transparency Builds Trust

Modern consumers are informed and cautious. They seek transparency regarding what they consume, including production dates and shelf life. Clear date labelling builds brand trust, especially among health-conscious buyers or those with dietary restrictions. If customers can’t find clear shelf-life information, they may opt for a competitor’s product.​

5. Inventory Management & Supply Chain Efficiency

Printed codes play a key role in inventory strategies like first-in-first-out (FIFO). Clear labelling helps staff rotate stock properly and avoid waste. In complex supply chains, proper coding ensures the right product reaches the right destination at the right time.​

6. Fighting Food Fraud

Product codes, lot numbers, and date stamps are essential in combating counterfeit goods. High-value products like infant formula, specialty beverages, or premium packaged foods are particularly vulnerable to fraud. Unique batch codes and scannable data help authenticate products across distribution networks.​

How Cyklop Needham Supports Accurate Coding

At Cyklop Needham, we understand the critical importance of precise date and code printing in the food and beverage industry. Our range of industrial inkjet printers and inks are designed to meet the highest standards of reliability and clarity.​

• CM600 Thermal Inkjet Printer (TIJ): The CM600 offers high-resolution coding, ideal for batch and date marking on product packaging.​

• CM700 Series Continuous Inkjet Printers (CIJ): Our CM700 Series provides versatile solutions for various industrial applications, ensuring legibility and durability even in high-speed production environments.​needham-ink.com+1needham-ink.com+1

By integrating our advanced coding solutions, businesses can ensure compliance, enhance traceability, and build consumer trust.​

Final Thoughts

Failing to prioritise date and code printing in your packaging strategy is more than a technical oversight—it’s a direct threat to your brand’s integrity, compliance, and customer loyalty. Whether you're a small batch producer or a global brand, investing in robust coding solutions is non-negotiable. In a market where reputation can make or break a business, the smallest printed details often make the biggest impact.