Food packaging is an often overlooked factor when it comes to maintaining the quality and safety of our food.
Besides presenting products, packaging plays an important role in enhancing food shelf life. Food shelf life is length of time a food product maintains its palatability, nutritional value and is still safe to consume.
Improper packaging shortens food shelf life and can cause it to spoil and have potential health risks to consumers. These severe consequences are why food manufacturers ought to be conscientious when selecting packaging. The right packaging will provide assurance to the integrity and quality of food products by the time they’re in the hands of consumers.
Below are a few important reasons to invest in quality packaging for your food products:
Preserve freshness
Packaging is imperative to preserving the freshness of food. Fresh produce, dairy products and meat are all perishable items that require adequate protection from the harmful effects of their environment. High-quality packaging keeps these items protected from elements, such as light, heat, moisture and bacteria, all of which can cause deterioration in quality and loss of freshness. This leads to big changes in flavour, scent, texture and appearance. Appropriate packaging will help preserve the quality of food until it is consumed.
Maintain nutritional value
In addition to maintaining freshness, quality packaging will help preserve the nutritional value of food. Certain nutrients in food, including vitamins and minerals, can degrade when exposed to light, air or temperature fluctuations. For instance, vitamin A is particularly sensitive to light and oxygen, and quickly degrades in the presence of these elements. Packaging that provides an effective barrier against detrimental environmental elements can help retain the nutritional content of food and offer greater health benefits to its consumers.
Protection from contamination
Packaging acts a shield against environmental contaminants, like dust, dirt and bacteria, and factors, such as light, moisture, oxygen and temperature fluctuations. This significantly aids in preserving food quality and minimising the risk of contamination and spoilage.
Packaging also offers protection from physical damage, which is common during transportation and storage. Packaging reduces waste due to damage and ensures food remains in its intended state. This is especially important for delicate food items, such as bread or fruit, where appearance greatly influences consumers’ buying decisions.
Tamper-evident
In addition to protection from environmental contaminants and damage, quality packaging will ensure that consumers aren’t eating foods that have been tampered with. Tamper-evidence packaging (TEP) indicates if there has been tampering or some other kind of manipulation during shipping and handling, or even once it’s on the shelf. This means it’s no longer safe to consume. TEP doesn’t prevent tampering, however it aids in deterring it and alerts consumers if it has happened.
Quality food packaging in Perth
Food packaging is an important barrier against external factors which can accelerate food degradation. By investing in quality packaging, you can mitigate the effects of these elements and maintain the freshness and nutritional value of your food for longer.
At Profile Packaging, we’re serious about preserving the quality and freshness of your food products. We offer modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and tamper-evident packaging options to extend the shelf life of your food and ensure it meets the standards your customers expect.
Get in touch today to learn more.
