Tagging heatable entrees

Isabella Gumm Updated by Isabella Gumm

If there's a possibility that the product is placed in the microwave in its packaging, you should use a microwave-safe tag. You will not use this tag type if the packaging is made of metal and will not be in the microwave.

Products in this picture are meant to showcase examples of heatable entrees. The photo is not meant to demonstrate proper merchandising.

This article will focus on heatable entrees. Click here if you want more information about soups.

Tag Placement

Something to keep in mind is what the product is made out of. You need to place the tag in a position where it is not compromised by ingredients. For example, pasta sauce. If it is liquid sauce, you do not want the tag to be right on top of the product. Liquid blocks the tag from being read consistently or at all. There is a simple method to help you figure out where to place the tag: the food line.

Imagine there being a food line that separates the half of the container that has food and the half that has air space.

You want to place your tag above the food line to make sure the ingredients do not interfere with the tag readings.

If the food line is not an important factor, place them in the best position possible for optimal tag readings. This largely depends on how the product is merchandised and the shape of the product. It is important to not hide the tag no matter where you place the tag.

For best results and safe use, press the tag firmly and evenly onto the container so the adhesive is fully in contact with the surface. Any lifted edges or air pockets can affect both readability and microwave safety.

Burritos

You need to be extra mindful when tagging burritos. Most frozen burritos are in a plastic packaging and so the microwave-safe tag is perfect.

These products are packaged with the expectation that you will microwave the burrito in its packaging.

Some burritos are not frozen and are wrapped in aluminum foil. A microwave-safe tag would not be appropriate to be used for aluminum wrapped burritos. You would not microwave the burrito in aluminum foil and the microwave-safe tag would not read. The aluminum would block the RFID tag from reading!

In this case, a metal-safe tag would be the best option.

Can I stack?

Yes! You absolutely can stack your heatable products. The key is that products should be stacked in a way that can be read consistently. This means the products absolutely cannot cover other tags.

Knowledge Check

ANSWER
Option A. The tag on option A is fully flat and above the food line. Option B is not fully flat. It is bunched up. This could cause the tag to spark in the microwave.

ANSWER
No! The products are stacked in a way that will cover the tag below it. The bottom tag may not read.

ANSWER
The answer is B. Tag B is above the food line. Think of your product having an invisible line separating where is food and where is isn't. Placing a tag below the food line can lead to tag reading inconsistencies.

How did we do?

Test and verify inventory

Tagging aluminum cans and foil-lined products

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