Packaging for high-pressure treatments in the food industry

This study highlights some important aspects of the package, such as packag ing materials suitable for high-pressure treatments, package properties (ba rriers and flexibility) and package integrity. Six different types of packa ge were tested. They consist of multilayer plastic packages (PA/PE), where thickness, permeability and stress varied at yield point and at breakage. T hey achieve a good heat seal and good protection from the pressure medium ( water) surrounding them. Experiments were carried out at 200, 350 and 500 M Pa for 30 min at ambient temperature, comparing the performance of pressuri zed multilayer plastic packages with untreated packages. Different simulant s (water, 3% acetic acid, 15% ethyl alcohol and olive oil), in contact with the packages, were used to demonstrate the good integrity between package and foodstuff during treatment and shelf-life. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wile y & Sons, Ltd.