The Use of Films as Suitable Packaging Materials for Minimally Processed Foods

Minimally processed foods, which usually constitute a full meal or a significant portion of one, receive only a minimal heat processing or other preservation treatment to ensure their microbiological safety. Many of them are not sterile. They are either stored under refrigeration or frozen and require partial cooking or heating by the consumer. These products are consistent with the modern social trends of more working mothers, more single-person households, less time allocated to cooking, scattered family schedules and eating occasions, and a willingness to spend money for quality products. Typical packaging for products should withstand a challenge protocol within the temperature range of food distribution, use minimal packaging material for consumer convenience, and easily display the food products. In the military field feeding ration systems, the products closest to the minimally processed foods are the eat-on-the-move rations. They usually require no refrigeration but have to meet the needs of reduced weight, volume, and packaging waste. This paper presents current state- of-the-art packing systems for extended shelf-life chilled foods in commercial markets, for shelf stable foods, and also biodegradableedible films for military field rations.