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Impact of product formulation and packaging on shelf life |
S. J. RISCH, Science By Design, 505 N. Lake Shore Dr., Ste. 3209, Chicago, IL 60611 Product formulation and packaging can impact the shelf life of food products. The first step in determing the appropriate packaging materials is to understand the mode of degradation of a product. In addition ot understanding how the product may degrade, it is important to understand that packaging materials may be able to extend shelf life by delaying degradation, however there are some ways in which a product may deteriorate that cannot be helped by packaging. The typical product changes are physical, chemical, and microbiolgical. For most products, there are a series of hurdles in terms of end of shelf life. While packaging may be able to extend shelf life by preventing moisture gain or loss, the next deterioration in the product may be a flavor change. Specific product examples will be presented to show how selection of packaging materials can extend shelf life and the considerations for developing appropriate shelf life studies. The particular focus will be on the impact of packaging materials on flavor of foods.
Session 81, Maximizing shelf life through product formulation and packaging
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