Food flexible packaging is widely used in daily life due to its advantages such as lightness, easy sealing and low cost. However, the following points should be noted during the usage process to ensure food safety and packaging performance.
1. Choose the appropriate packaging material
Common materials for flexible packaging include plastic, aluminum foil and composite film, etc. The heat resistance, barrier properties and oil resistance of different materials vary. For instance, high-temperature foods should be made of heat-resistant materials such as PET or high-temperature resistant PE, while oily foods need to be coated with composite films that prevent oil penetration. Avoid using non-heat-resistant packaging directly for microwave heating to prevent melting or the release of harmful substances.
2. Pay attention to the sealing integrity
Before use, check if the packaging is intact. If there is any damage or leakage, it may affect the shelf life of the food. When sealing, ensure that the sealing area is clean and dry to avoid food or moisture residue that may cause a tight seal. The sealing performance of self-sealing bags may decline after multiple openings and closures. It is recommended to use up the contents as soon as possible or replace the packaging.
3. Reasonable storage conditions
Temperature: Some flexible packaging is not resistant to high or low temperatures and should be stored as per the instructions. For instance, the packaging of frozen food should be resistant to low-temperature brittleness and cracking to prevent breakage after freezing.
Light-proof and moisture-proof: Transparent packaging should be stored away from light to prevent ultraviolet rays from accelerating food spoilage. A damp environment may cause packaging to absorb moisture and reduce its barrier properties.
Avoid heavy pressure: Flexible packaging has poor pressure resistance. Stacking overly heavy items may cause deformation or damage.
4. Safe heating and thawing
Microwave heating: Make sure the packaging is marked "microwave-safe" before use to avoid direct heating of ordinary plastic packaging. It is recommended to open the door or use a dedicated container when heating.
Thawing: Frozen foods are recommended to be thawed in the refrigerator. Avoid soaking the packaging in hot water to prevent material deterioration or chemical migration.
5. Environmental protection and recycling
Some flexible packaging contains multiple layers of composite materials and is difficult to recycle. After use, it should be cleaned and dried, and disposed of in accordance with local garbage classification requirements. Reduce excessive packaging and give priority to biodegradable materials.
6. Packaging compatibility for special foods
Acidic or high-salt foods may corrode the inner layer of packaging, so corrosion-resistant materials should be selected. Foods that are prone to oxidation (such as nuts) should be packaged in high-barrier materials and preserved by vacuuming or nitrogen filling.
Summary: The correct use of food flexible packaging should take into account the material characteristics, food requirements and storage conditions, and pay attention to sealing, temperature and environmental protection requirements to ensure food safety and extend the shelf life.
