Is Packaging A Method Of Food Preservation?

What Is Packaging Food Preservation?

The packaging food preservation method involves the preserving of foods using packages. Usually, the packaging method is combined with other food preservation methods. It tends to be undertaken after other preservation methods such as salting, drying, pickling have been employed. Whereas food has been packaged using pots, baskets, glass, ceramic etc since traditionally, modern packaging has introduced more isolative packaging materials such as enamel tins, steel tins, aluminium foil, glass cans etc, which have become important for commercial use.

How Packaging Works To Preserve Food

Packaging method prevents the spoilage and deterioration of food by micro-organisms. This process prevents contamination of food with external elements such as air, dust, off-flavours etc.

The package tends to act as a barrier from microbial invasion that can extend a product’s shelf-life by decreasing the impact of external factors such as scalding, chemical reactions e.g. oxidation, mechanical damage etc.

As a result of the mentioned factors i.e. mechanical damage, a food’s flavour, freshness,  texture and appearance can be altered. Packaging allows foods to maintain their freshness by reducing water content and air entry. Vacuum-sealed packaging is particularly useful in keeping oxygen out that can cause food contamination by foodborne illnesses such as Salmonella and E. coli.

Packaging is a food preservation method that extends the shelf-life of a food product by reducing the risk of spoilage from external factors such as mechanical damage, chemical reactions, microbial activity etc. It is normally performed in combination with other food preservation methods hence ensuring even better quality and an extended shelf life of foods. It is usually conducted after other preservation methods have been carried out. Proper packaging methods are essential to ensure the safety and quality of food items.