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A. L. BRODY, Packaging/Brody, Inc., PO Box 956187, Duluth, GA 30095-9504 A virtually simultaneous emergence of active packaging and non-thermal food processing and preservation technologies has generated interest in ascertaining the possibilities of teaming them to achieve synergies. By little or no exposure to excessive heat, the range of plastic materials and structures potentially feasible for containing and protecting non-thermally processed foods has been increased. In contrast, however, some non-thermal processes such as ultra high pressure and ionizing radiation are known to stress plastic package materials and structures in previously unknown manners. Further, the incorporation of one or more active elements leads to the question of how these entities are affected by the processes. Might they be adversely affected or might they be enhanced by, for example, ultra high pressure? Or might wholly new chemical moieties be generated as a consequence of exposure to electron beam or gamma radiation? Active components such as ferrous iron oxygen scavengers and anti-microbials are known to be sensitive to moisture, carbon dioxide and other environmental variables, often negatively. Suggested, proposed and impending regulations consider that active packaging often produces effects that warrant further investigation for safety – and certainly efficacy. A review of the published and unpublished literature has been undertaken to attempt to summarize the world knowledge and data on the real and potential interactions of active packaging and non-thermal processing to highlight the issues requiring further study and to guide scientists and technologists towards optimum synergies of the technologies.
Session 57, Active packaging for non-thermal processing
2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana |