Food Packaging

The primary purpose of food packaging is to ensure the quality and safety of the food. The properties of foods determine the processing, packaging, storage, and transport conditions from the producer to the consumer, to maximize foods' shelf life. Packaging methods are presented in terms of materials, formats, and the means of fabrication. Critical differences among materials (paper and paperboard, metals, glass, and a variety of plastics) in their capability to isolate a packaged food from its environment are discussed. Packaging chemicals for which public controversy accompanies their otherwise legal use are referenced.