Using Tamper Stickers in Food Packaging: Regulations & Best Practices

Intro
Today’s consumers expect safety, transparency, and hygiene—especially when it comes to food. Whether you’re delivering takeout or packaging pre-prepped meals, tamper evident stickers are now an essential part of your packaging process. Not only do they help prevent product tampering, but they also boost customer confidence. Here’s how to use tamper stickers effectively—and stay compliant with industry standards.

Why Tamper Stickers Are Essential in Food Packaging

In the age of on-demand delivery and meal subscriptions, food products pass through many hands before reaching the consumer. Even the slightest suspicion of tampering can ruin customer trust and trigger social backlash or legal action.

Tamper stickers are a simple, low-cost way to:

• Show visible proof that packaging hasn’t been opened
  
  
• Deter food tampering during delivery or retail handling
  
  
• Comply with food safety and labeling standards
  
  
• Build consumer confidence at the point of delivery

FDA Guidance on Tamper Evident Food Packaging

While there’s no one-size-fits-all law, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) encourages tamper evident packaging—especially for retail foods, supplements, and ready-to-eat items.

Key principles:

• Packaging should reveal if tampering has occurred
  
  
• Labels or seals should be difficult to remove cleanly
  
  

Brands should include text that explains the seal purpose (e.g., “Do not accept if seal is broken”)

Best Practices for Applying Tamper Evident Stickers

✅ Place Stickers Over Entry Points

Position the sticker over areas where packaging can be opened—such as box flaps, jar lids, or plastic container edges.

✅ Use Destructible or VOID Stickers

Make sure your tamper sticker can’t be peeled off cleanly. VOID labels and destructible films work well on most surfaces.

✅ Include Clear Messaging

Use pre-printed or custom stickers with messaging like “Sealed for Your Safety” or “Do Not Use if Seal is Broken.”

✅ Test Adhesion on Packaging Materials

Make sure stickers bond well to your specific containers, especially if using paper, waxed surfaces, or cold storage items. We can provide [free samples].

✅ Brand Your Stickers When Possible

Custom tamper stickers with your logo add credibility, professionalism, and a visual security cue.

Where Tamper Stickers Are Used in Food Packaging

Tamperco’s Solutions for the Food Industry

We offer food-safe, high-adhesion stickers that can handle:

• Heat and cold exposure
  
  
• Water and moisture
  
  
• Plastic, paper, cardboard and foil materials
  
  

Options include:

• Custom-branded stickers with text or logos
  
  
• “VOID” labels that leave visible residue
  
  
• Clear or opaque labels for different packaging styles

Conclusion

Food safety isn’t just about what’s inside the packaging—it’s about proving that what’s inside hasn’t been touched. Tamper evident stickers give your customers peace of mind and show that your brand puts hygiene and safety first.

🛡️ Ready to protect your food packaging with confidence?

Explore TamperCo’s tamper evident food seal options.

Metallic Security Labels

Holographic Security Labels

Non Residue Security Labels

 

Destructible Labels

 

Security Color Labels

 

Custom Color Delaminating Labels