Is re-using packaging material allowed?

Hello, I know that somewhere in SQF i read that packaging material cannot be re-used but i can't find where. I would like to be able to validate a process or re-using raw material boxes that are lined with new food-contact bags. In one of our process we use shortening that comes in bags packaged in a box. We process the shortening into a spiced shortening that we use within 2 weeks. This spiced shortening gets re-packaged into food grade bags and back into the original shortening box with a new label. This spiced fat is only an intermediary ingredient, it will be used within the next 2 weeks and the finished product will be properly packaged for clients. My question is if the box stays clean the labeling changes and there is no risk of cross-contamination as the original ingredient is used in the product can we not use this box to store the spiced fat.
thanks

Hello, I know that somewhere in SQF i read that packaging material cannot be re-used but i can't find where. I would like to be able to validate a process or re-using raw material boxes that are lined with new food-contact bags. In one of our process we use shortening that comes in bags packaged in a box. We process the shortening into a spiced shortening that we use within 2 weeks. This spiced shortening gets re-packaged into food grade bags and back into the original shortening box with a new label. This spiced fat is only an intermediary ingredient, it will be used within the next 2 weeks and the finished product will be properly packaged for clients. My question is if the box stays clean the labeling changes and there is no risk of cross-contamination as the original ingredient is used in the product can we not use this box to store the spiced fat.
thanks

Hi Katja,

I think you'd be okay as long as the boxes are always kept off of the floor in a dry area, discarded when they show any signs of wear, and you ensuring that you follow the policy you stated (new food grade bags for each refill and relabeling), then putting all that in a policy in element 5.4. A solid documented risk analysis should also be conducted I'd think. My $.02 at any rate.

Regards,
esquef