Packaging Why do we package? (Purpose)

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PackagingWhy do we package? (Purpose)

• Preserve
• Prevent contamination
• Make product easier to use - extend where it can
  be used -hand-held
• Make it easier to store (boxes rather than bags,
  bags into overboxes)
• Tamper proof, tamper evident
• Communicate information - NLEA
• Marketing, first purchase is visual
• Make it easier to manufacture product
• Give product new functionality (i.e. microwave
  cooking)

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Types of packaging

• Primary- indirect contact with food. Needs to be
  approved by FDA as safe for intended use. (i.e.
  plasticizers cannot be used for microwave.) Can
  be plastics, metal, foil, laminates, fiberboard.
• Secondary - contains primary, no food contact,
  usually fiberboard.
• Tertiary - Overpack for shipping

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Packaging material

• Cans - 96 of the 27 billion cans used annually
  are made of steel. Tin, aluminum (much lighter)
  or cans with coating also used.
• Paper, paperboard, fiberboard, possibly with
  lamination, susceptors and enhances for microwave
• Plastics, strong, light, different chemistries
  give tailored properties
• Plastic grocery bags use 40 less energy than
  paper, 80 less volume as solid waste than paper.
• (paper doesnt biodegrade in landfill).

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Functional Packaging

• Modified atmosphere packaging
• Pre-cut salads
• Delayed fruit ripening
• Vacuum packaging
• - suppresses microbial growth, oxidation
  reactions
• Active packaging
• Releases antimicrobials
• Scavenges off odors
• Removes water vapor
• Time temperature indicators
• Microwave suceptors/enhances
• Examples of these points.

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Labeling

• Labeling content (must contain)
• Name of product
• Net weight of contents
• Name and address of manufacturer
• What must be added (just add water, just add
  ground beef)
• Serving size
• Cooking and preparation method (especially
  important for products that contain raw meat or
  poultry).

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More Labeling

• Ingredients- listed by weight, name must reflect
  content- beef pot pie vs vegetable pot pie with
  beef
• If nutrient missing, must be labeled imitation
• In case of Eggbeaters the fat soluble vitamins
  present in the yolk must be added back.
• Flavors and colors must be listed individually.
  (Some products may list alternates - this product
  contains canola, soybean or corn oil).
• Standards of identity- Ice cream, ice milk,
  frozen desert product.

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A real label