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.