This book provides detailed and comprehensible information about Quality Control (QC) in the industry. Different viewpoints are explained in relation to food companies, packaging producers and technical experts, including regulatory aspects. One of the most important steps is the comprehension of QC failures in relation to the 'food product' (food/packaging). The book also presents a detailed selection of proposals about new testing methods. On the basis of regulatory obligations in the EU about the technological suitability of food packaging materials, a list of 'performance-oriented' guidelines is proposed. Food sectors are mentioned in relation to products, related packaging materials, known failures and existing quality control procedures. This volume serves as a practical guide on food packaging and QC methods and a quick reference to food operators, official safety inspectors, public health institutions, Certification bodies, students and researchers from the academia and the industry.

This Brief defines reliable correlations between the food packaging design and its chemical features in terms of an 'integrated food product' (the synergistic union composed of the edible content and its container). A good design, as described in this Brief, implies the best choices from a series of possibilities, taking into account economical and commercial influences or limitations in the production and processing chain and the chemical interactions that can arise between the food containers and the contained edible material. This Brief highlights how the different requirements can be combined, while avoiding dangerous food risks originating from the chemical interaction between the container and the product. Different designs are critically analysed with relation to the effect on contained foods. The influences and resulting consequences of different possible food packaging designs are highlighted and discussed in selected case studies for some every-day products (like potato chips).

This book provides valuable information on a range of food packaging topics. It serves as a source for students, professionals and packaging engineers who need to know more about the characteristics, applications and consequences of different packaging materials in food-packaging interactions. This book is divided into 13 chapters and focuses on the agro-food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors. The first four chapters cover traditional packaging materials: wood, paper and cardboard, glass and metal. The next two deal, respectively, with plastics and laminates. Biobased materials are then covered, followed by a presentation of active and smart packaging. Some chapters are also dedicated to providing information on caps and closures as well as auxiliary materials. Different food packaging methods are presented, followed by an investigation into the design and labelling of packaging. The book ends with a chapter presenting information on how the choice of packaging material is dependent on the characteristics of the food products to be packaged.

This Brief is concerned with the connection between food packaging and the chemical composition of packaging materials. In terms of the food packaging hygiene, the influence of the containers on the contained foods is discussed. The book explores new and emerging risks related to food packaging materials in connection with the contained commodities. It also discusses the technology of production with relation to the chemical risk in a “Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point” (HACCP) investigation.

This Brief concerns the influence of chemistry in the modern food and beverages industry. The world of traditional foods has been soundlessly but increasingly interconnected with the chemical industry in the last century. Different areas are considered in a multidisciplinary approach: - the production of chemical additives and of non-food components needed in the food industry (e.g. packaging materials) - the regulatory perspective of the whole food production chain - commercialization of food commodities - the problem of food safety from the viewpoint of official auditors with medical or veterinarian competencies - new and emerging risks related to food packaging materials - the assessment of the authenticity of edible products. This Brief includes different viewpoints, ranging from the management of allergens and food additives in the food plant to the complex matter of the formulation of traditional products with the consequent production of “alternative” versions of the same food.

This Brief reviews thermal processes in the food industry – pasteurization, sterilization, UHT processes, and others. It evaluates the effects on a chemical level and possible failures from a safety viewpoint, and discusses in how far the effects can be predicted. In addition, historical preservation techniques – smoking, addition of natural additives, irradiation, etc. – are compared with current industrial systems, like fermentation, irradiation, addition of food-grade chemicals. The Brief critically discusses storage protocols – cooling, freezing, etc. – and packing systems (modified atmosphere technology, active and intelligent packaging). Can undesired chemical effects on the food products be predicted? This Brief elucidates on this important question. On that basis, new challenges, that currently arise in the food sector, can be approached.