EN 12546-3:2000

Materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs - Insulated containers for domestic use - Part 3: Specification for thermal packs

This standard specifies the requirements for sealed, non-refillable, re-usable cooler packs, also known as ice packs, intended for use with insulated domestic food containers. This standard is not applicable to thermal packs for the treatment of sports injuries or for use as hot water bottles. This standard does not deal with requirements for materials in contact with food, which are defined by existing regulations.

Materialien und Gegenstände in Kontakt mit Lebensmitteln - Isolierbehälter zum Gebrauch im Haushalt - Teil 3: Beschreibung von Kühlakku

Diese Norm legt die Anforderungen fest für hermetisch abgeschlossene, nicht wieder füllbare, mehrmals nutzbare Kühlakkus, zur Benutzung mit isolierten Lebensmittelbehältern für den Haushalt. Diese Norm betrifft keine Kühlpackun- gen, die zur Behandlung von Sportverletzungen oder als Wärmflasche dienen. Diese Norm behandelt keine Anforderungen für Materialien in Kontakt mit Lebens- mitteln, welche bereits in bestehenden Vorschriften festgelegt sind.

Matériaux et objets en contact avec les denrées alimentaires - Récipients isolants à usage domestique - Partie 3: Spécification pour les accumulateurs thermiques

Cette norme définit les exigences pour les accumulateurs thermiques étanches, réutilisables et non réemplissables, appelés aussi accumulateurs de froid, destinés à être utilisés avec des conteneurs isolants domestiques pour les aliments. Elle ne s'applique pas aux accumulateurs thermiques pour le traitementdes blessures sportives ou utilisés comme bouillotte. Elle ne traite pas des exigences pour les matériaux en contact avec les aliments qui sont définies par la réglementation en vigueur.

Materiali in predmeti v stiku z živili - Izolirane posode za domačo uporabo - 3. del: Podrobni opis za toplotno izolirane posode

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 18-Apr-2000
• ICS: 67.250 - Materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 194 - Utensils in contact with food
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 194/WG 6 - Insulated containers for domestic use in contact with food
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 20-Jul-2022
• Completion Date: 14-Apr-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 12546-3:2001 - Materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs - Insulated containers for domestic use - Part 3: Specification for thermal packs

Overview - EN 12546-3:2000 (CEN)

EN 12546-3:2000 is a CEN standard that sets out requirements for sealed, non-refillable, re-usable cooler packs (thermal packs / ice packs) intended for use with insulated domestic food containers. The standard applies to thermal packs designed to maintain cold temperatures inside household insulated boxes and lunch containers. It explicitly excludes packs intended for sports injury treatment and hot water bottles, and it does not redefine rules for materials in direct contact with food (these are covered by separate food-contact regulations).

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard focuses on safety, performance and suitability for domestic refrigerated use. Key technical topics typically addressed include:

• Design and construction: requirements for sealed, non-refillable construction and durable packaging suitable for repeated domestic use.
• Sealing and leakage resistance: expectations for containment integrity to avoid gel, liquid or propellant leakage during normal use.
• Reusability and durability: criteria for repeated freeze/thaw cycles and mechanical resistance consistent with domestic handling.
• Thermal performance considerations: appropriate behavior when used inside insulated containers (performance parameters and test approaches are specified in the standard).
• Marking and user information: required labels and instructions for safe use, storage, freezing instructions, warnings and disposal.
• Exclusions and interfaces: clear scope boundaries (not for therapeutic or hot-use applications) and interface with food-contact regulations.

Note: EN 12546-3:2000 defines functional and safety requirements; specific material safety in contact with food is governed by existing national and EU food-contact legislation and standards.

Applications

• Designing and certifying cooler packs / ice packs for domestic insulated lunch boxes and food carriers.
• Defining manufacturing and quality control criteria for consumer thermal packs.
• Informing product labeling, user instructions and packaging for household thermal packs.
• Supporting procurement specifications for retailers and private-label manufacturers seeking compliance with CEN standards.

Who uses this standard

• Consumer product manufacturers and designers of insulated containers and thermal packs
• Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies
• Retailers and private-label developers specifying product safety and performance
• Standards professionals and regulatory compliance teams referencing CEN norms for household goods

Related standards

• EN 12546 series (other parts cover insulated containers and system-level requirements)
• Applicable national and EU food-contact materials regulations (for material safety and migration requirements)

Keywords: EN 12546-3:2000, thermal packs, cooler packs, ice packs, insulated containers, domestic use, CEN standard, food-contact regulations.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Materialien und Gegenstände in Kontakt mit Lebensmitteln - Isolierbehälter zum Gebrauch im Haushalt - Teil 3: Beschreibung von KühlakkuMatériaux et objets en contact avec les denrées alimentaires - Récipients isolants a usage domestique - Partie 3: Spécification pour les accumulateurs thermiquesMaterials and articles in contact with foodstuf
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