Tamper-evident packaging can be traced back to ancient times when letters were sealed with wax. Yet, throughout the years, we never really saw it necessary to elevate the security of our packaging until incidents like the Tylenol incidents of 1982 brought the need for safe and secure packaging to the forefront of consumers’ minds. Only months after this tragic event, swift action brought about change in both the way we purchase products and the way they are packaged.

Today, FDA regulations specify that a tamper-evident package, "is one having one or more indicators or barriers to entry which, if breached or missing, can reasonably be expected to provide visible evidence to consumers that tampering has occurred."

These barriers must be constructed from materials that are not readily available to the public. This ensures that barriers can’t be easily duplicated, adding yet another layer of security for consumers. The labeling of each package must also include a description of the safety feature.

What types of packaging are available?

MJS offers various types of tamper-evident packaging components, each of which can be used to achieve an appropriate barrier while also easing consumers’ minds when purchasing products. We’ll highlight four options here..

Induction seal liners

Induction seal liners must be lifted, punctured, or pried off in order to use the product. When the seal is intact, consumers have evidence that the contents inside have not been tampered with. Once the closure is removed, you’ll see a liner sealed to the container, blocking the dispensing of the product.

Such liners are most commonly used in vitamin, OTC, nutraceutical, and pharma products and go a long way to ensure safety, customer satisfaction, and security.

Tamper-evident closure

There are multiple tamper-evident closures, including plastic and metal closures.

• Plastic closures often include a tear-away strip, which makes it easy for the consumer to see that it’s safe to open, after purchase.
• Metal closures include a pop-up safety button that gives an audio and visual cue to the consumer that the package has not been tampered with.

MJS offers both types of tamper-evident closures. If you are unsure which is best suited for you, our professional product specialists are here to assist you.

Blister packs

Blister packs are pre-formed plastic packaging utilized for small consumer goods, foods, or pharmaceuticals.

They are most commonly used for any product with an individual unit or dosage. Blister packs provide clear proof that all contents are intact and properly sealed before use.

Shrink bands

Shrink bands are a very inexpensive tamper-evident option. They can be applied over a lid or closure to give a quick indication that the product is safe before being purchased.

Shrink bands are frequently in food and beverage products, like on the wine bottle above.

What’s right for my product?

There are several alternatives that manufacturers can use to show tamper-evidence, assuring consumers that the product and its contents are safe to consume, apply, and use.

Because tamper-evident packaging is just as important for manufacturers and consumers alike, the benefits of a tamper-evident packaging solution far outweighs the risks of not using one!

Have questions or need packaging? We encourage you to learn more and invite you to call our specialists at 800-915-2262 for more help in finding the right packaging services for your product.