STORAGE CONTAINERS                                                                        (18)

WHAT IS FOOD GRADE PACKAGING?

 

Q: OK, I'm ready to start my storage program. What should I put the food in?

A: You should use food grade packaging for storing anything you intend to eat.

A food grade container is one that will not transfer noxious or toxic substances

 into the food it is holding. If you are uncertain whether a package type is food

grade you can contact the manufacturer. Ask

If that particular container is (US) FDA approved meaning that it is safe for food use.

 When inquiring be sure to specify the characteristics of the food you are storing;

 wet, dry, strongly acidic or alkaline, alcoholic or a high fat content.

 

A container that is approved for one of the above types of food may not be

 approved for another.

The major functions of a food storage container

are to:

#1.  Protect its contents from outside environmental influences such as moisture,

and oxygen, but

possibly also heat or cold, light, insects and/or rodents as well.

+2. Prevent Damage during handling and shipping.

#3. Establish and/or maintain microbiological

Stability. The container should NOT allow microorganisms such as fungi and

bacteria from outside the container to come into contact with its contents.

This is of critical importance to wet pack foods such as canned vegetables,

fruits and meats.

#4. Withstand the temperatures and pressures It necessary if the contents are

 to be pasteurized or sterilized, either immediately before or after filling.

 It must not have any structural failures nor release any noxious or toxic

breakdown chemicals into the food it contains. This is the reason why

purpose built canning jars are recommended for home canning and

 mayonnaise jars aren't. The former are made heavier to withstand

high temperatures and handling whereas the latter are not and have

 an increased risk of breakage if used for that purpose.

Virtually all containers used in home food preservation involving exposure

to high temperatures are made of glass or metal, with the exception

of some specialized "heat & seal" type of plastic bags. Glass can be

used with any food type providing it is clean and in sound condition

but the lids, particularly the liner inside the lid, may not be so you'll

 need to investigate suitability.

Metal cans are more specialized. They must be intended for food use

and must also have a lining or coating of the inside that is suitable for

 the pH level of the food it will be in contact with.

INDEX             Next           Page 20 Mylar Bags