Barcode Label: everything you need to know

From the supermarket to the supply chain, barcoding in food products is an indispensable tool. It is not just a system to speed up the checkout process, but a key element in ensuring traceability, safety and regulatory compliance. Using barcodes allows us to simplify and optimize any process, reducing human error and automating repetitive and tedious procedures.

In this article you will find out what it is used for, what types of codes are used in the food industry, what mistakes to avoid when printing, and why it is essential to check their quality.

What is the Bar Code and how does it work?

Barcodes represent the most widely used Automatic Identification System, and there is no industry that does not use them.

In fact, it is estimated that there are more than 10 billion barcode labels read every day in the world, but these numbers are expected to grow exponentially.

In detail, the barcode label has become a strategic element of a product package because, only through its reading can the product be recognized with absolute accuracy.

For this very reason, it is unfortunate to run into lesser-known errors, ruining its effectiveness.

The readability of a code is affected by a number of factors, both technical and environmental. Although a bar code may have no obvious defects to the human eye, inconsistencies in the code, surface of the material, or even the positioning of the reader relative to the code can cause non-reading.

The main cause of illegible bar codes is often due to a small number of problems that can be solved by adaptations to the bar code or the technology used to decode it.

In the food industry it is used to uniquely identify products throughout the distribution chain. It serves not only to facilitate sales operations but also to ensure the proper traceability of each item from production to retail.

What is the purpose of barcodes on food products?

In the food industry, the bar code has several strategic functions:

• It tracks each production batch

• It simplifies logistics management

• Avoids shipping or storage errors

• Ensures compliance with mass retail standards

• Allows immediate recall in case of defective products

It is an essential element for those involved in food processing, packaging or distribution.

Types of codes used on food labels

The most common bar codes in the food industry are:

• EAN-13: most common in retail, uniquely identifies the product.

• GS1-128: used for logistical information such as expiration date, net weight, lot number.

• GS1 DataBar: suitable for bulk or variable weight fresh produce.

• QR Code: used to provide the consumer with additional information, but does not replace the GS1 code.

Yes, it is possible, but not for all color combinations, for reasons of readability of the final product.

A black barcode on a white background is the most proven combination, because it has greater contrast, making it easier to read.

In general, it can be said that the background of the barcode should be very bright, but not metallic, and the bars should be dark and high in contrast to the chosen background.

It should be remembered that the primary function of a barcode is to carry data from the point where it originates to the point where it needs to be captured.

Therefore a barcode is a vital link in the data communication chain of any application.

If it fails, the chain is broken.

What is the purpose of barcode verification?

Therefore, barcode verification is a very useful tool to add to your quality control procedures to ensure that they are perfectly readable throughout the entire supply chain .

When barcodes are poorly printed or damaged and the quality of the code

is so compromised that the reader cannot decode it, data loss can have disastrous consequences on the logistics process.

Verification is an important “assistant” for those who print barcode labels and for those who receive them to establish whether at least the agreed quality level for acceptance has been achieved.

The test provides the quality grade relative to the probable performance of the code being read.

How is the verification of a bar code performed?

The quality control of a barcode is carried out with special equipment, trying to regularly verify the production to ensure a good result.

In fact, we possess all the appropriate instrumentation to carry out the verification, delivering at the end of the process, a certificate of quality of the printed barcodes, with respect to the ISO/IEC 15426-1:2006 standard.

This allows us to do prepress work to improve the barcode, to improve its readability, taking into account technical factors such as:

• label printing technology

• Material used

• Different distortion

• Different amount of ink deposited

In detail, we will first check whether the code exactly matches what is required, the print contrast, the size of the bars, the percentage presence of defects on the bars, on the spaces, the modulation, and of course the general grade of the symbol that makes us understand how easily we will be able to read it or rather whether we will be able to read it on the first pass, which is what is generally required by international standards.

What are the benefits of Bar Code Verification?

The greatest benefit offered by verification is undoubtedly related to the assurance that the barcode label will function in the intended manner at all stages of product transit through the supply chain, leading to a smooth supplier-customer relationship.

In essence, verifying the quality of a barcode is critical because it prevents printing errors and inaccuracies, ensures the manufacturer in coding according to international standards, eliminates returns and unsold goods to be re-labeled, and enhances good corporate image.

Regulations and standards to be met

The main regulatory references are:

• GS1: global standards for coding and traceability

• ISO/IEC 15426-1: specifications for verifying the quality of bar codes.

• Supply chain standards required by large-scale retailers, logistics platforms and food wholesalers

Without compliance, the risk is that the product will be rejected or result in inefficiencies in distribution processes.

Conclusions

Barcoding in food products is not just a technical detail, but a strategic element that affects logistical efficiency, food safety, and regulatory compliance. Understanding which codes to use, how to print them correctly and how to verify their quality is essential for those involved in food production, processing or distribution. Investing in reliable labels means avoiding blockages, returns or errors along the supply chain and conveying professionalism to your customers.

If you need support in printing GS1-compliant barcode labels, we are ready to help you with expertise and tailored solutions: click here to contact us.