Sterilization of Food in Flexible Packages

Part IX. Effect of internal residual air on food quality in retortable pouches

Abstract

Effect of internal residual air on food quality in retortable pouches was investigated.
1) Deterioration of the contents was directly related to the amount of residual air within the pouch in the case of food packed in aluminum foil laminate.
2) Residual air of 10-15ml per pouch(170×130mm) was desirable to prevent the pouch from bursting when the pouch was sterilized at 120°C under a pressure of 1.4kg/cmcm².
3) It was found that the heating rate and lethality of the pouch varied significantly depending on the amount of the residual air.