How Does Vacuum Packaging Preserve Food?
The Effect Vacuum Packaging Has on Food Vacuum packaging aids in food preservation by removing air from the container the food is packaged in. The removal of air eliminates oxygen which affects food in various ways, such as odor, color, taste and texture and allows for longer storage. Certain types of bacteria cannot grow in the absence of oxygen. One of these types of bacteria is the bacteria that causes food to spoil. Since it cannot grow in the absence of oxygen, the normal reduction in the quality of the food is slowed down through the vacuum packaging process. Advantages of Vacuum Packaging Food Vacuum packaging extends the shelf life of perishable food by as much as five times its normal refrigerated shelf life. Larger quantities of food can be purchased and kept over a longer period of time and bulk purchases are often cheaper. The elimination of oxygen in frozen food also eliminates freezer burn. Vacuum packaging decreases food waste due to spoilage. Not only fresh, perishable
