Food Packaging Flashcards
What is primary packaging?
The package in direct contact with food
What is secondary packaging?
Packaging that may surround primary and serves for convenience and protection. Also draws the attention of the consumer.
Why is food packaging so important?
To the consumer the package is the product until it is purchased so it must sell the product.
What purpose does primary packaging serve?
Advertising but also shelf-life
How can primary packaging extend shelf life?
Keeps dirt off, controls bacteria, controls moisture, and protects from light
What are the primary functions of food packaging?
- Preservation
- Protection against physical and chemical damage as well as dirt and biological contamination
- Aids in distribution
- Enhances sales appeal
What are the 10 rules of food packaging?
- Nontoxic
- Barrier for moisture
- Block microbes
- Prevent leaking/loss
- Easy to open
- Easy to dispose of
- Not burden to environment
- Meet size requirement
- Compatible with food
- Barrier to O2
What materials can be used for food packaging?
paper, glass, metal, plastic, laminates, wood, cloth, wax, edible container
What must be tested in terms of gas permeability to determine whether a package will protect a product against environmental factors?
oxygen transmission rate (1) and water vapour rate (2)
What are some functional requirements of food packaging?
mechanical properties, reactivity with food, marketing related, and convenience
What is PET or PET plastic?
Plastic used for soft drinks and juice containers. It is the best for environment in terms of being recycled.
What is High density polyethylene (HDPE) used for?
Milk jugs
What is PVC or V used for and is it good for the environment?
It is used for packaging films because of its good barrier capabilities. Not often recycled.
What is LDPE plastic used for and what is its environmental impact?
Grocery bags, terrible and banned in most places.
What is PP plastic used for?
yogurt containers and retort pouches
