FOOD
PACKAGING
LEAK TEST
Do you need to maximise the shelf-life of packaged food products? The leading cause of waste and additional costs is leakages in packaging materials. Scroll down for the different food industries and read all about our food packaging leak test solutions in the industry you operate in.
The importance of a food packaging leak test
A food packaging leak test ensures control over the production process and assures the manufacturer of producing a good product. It is a crusial part in your production to ensure that the food inside the packaging remains fresh, safe, and free from contamination. Leaking food packaging can lead to several problems, such as:
- Reduced shelf life: Most perishables are oxygen and moisture-sensitive, and any tampering with the packaging can ruin food items. Food manufacturers need to ascertain the integrity of packaging materials and seals to prevent ingress of the moisture and oxygen that accelerate decomposition. Small leaks and tears in a packaging can already change the taste, texture, smell and color of the food. As a result, it loses its attractiveness to consumers.
- Spoilage: The food can also spoil and then become inedible. This happens when there are tears and leaks in the packaging that are large enough to allow oxygen and moisture to pass through, allowing bacteria and other microorganisms to grow and multiply, and spoil the food.
- Bacterial growth: Bacteria can grow in food packaging if there are leaks or tears in the seal and packaging that allow air and moisture to pass through. In addition, bacteria can also end up on the outside of the packaging, for example, during the packaging process or during transportation and storage. Through these leaks and tears in food packaging, bacteria can enter the food and multiply. Therefore, food packaging seal integrity testing is crucial for product safety.
- Product recalls: If there is a risk that a food product has been contaminated or is otherwise unsafe to eat, it can cause a product recall. Product recalls are conducted to protect consumers from potential health hazards associated with the consumption of the food product. Recalls can also be issued if a product is mislabeled, contains undeclared allergens, or is otherwise not in compliance with regulatory requirements. Food packaging testing can identify potential issues with the packaging before the product is released to the market.
Read all about the importance of a food packaging leak test in our whitepaper about ensuring high quality and safe food packaging and the role of non-destructive leak detection.
Food packaging testing methods
Manufacturers use food packaging leak detection equipment to test the integrity of their products and packaging materials before shipping. Food producers have used various methods of testing leaks. The food packaging leak tester was usually encased in a transparent case of water to observe and pinpoint leaks. Regardless of the results, manufacturers have to throw away packages used for testing. According to GMP (good manufacturing practice), the latest technology must be used. Oxipack has developed different non-destructive leak testing solutions for flexible, rigid, and vacuum packaging.
Food packaging types
The packaging material and method should not compromise the quality of the product, as a properly sealed package ensures quality and maximises the product’s shelf life. A food packaging leak test is therefore a crucial part of food packaging testing, which helps ensure that the food inside the packaging stays fresh and safe, to determine any faults in the sealing or packaging material. Some food packaging types include:
- Flexible packaging: Most manufacturers use flexible packaging to pack solid or powder food products. Flexible packaging designs include resealable pouches, flow wraps, and sachets. Flexible packaging is popular with brands and customers due to its low production costs, flexible designs and customisation options. Suppliers can transport more goods with flexible packaging. Common packaging applications include crisp bags, protein bar wrappers and granola pouches.
- Rigid packaging: These packaging materials don’t bend or stretch like flexible packaging. The rigidity offers extra support and structure for products. Common rigid packaging materials include tin/steel cans, glass jars, cardboard boxes and plastic bottles. Producers and suppliers use rigid packaging materials for cereals, wine and spirits or infant formula.
- Vacuum packaging: A technique used by manufacturers to improve food preservation by removing air from packaging materials before sealing. Typical applications include vacuum packing dehydrated fruit, meat, cheese, spices and cereals.
Oxipack food packaging testing methods
Our leak test solutions for flexible and rigid packaging are testing according to the vacuum decay method, a non-destructive way of checking food packaging for seal integrity and leaks. Our Vacuum Leak Testers use different non-destructive test methods to detect leaks. Investing in a non-destructive food packaging leak test costs money but guarantees a return on investment by not throwing away material after conducting a test. Checking for leaks prevents food contamination caused by accelerated microbiological growth, thereby enhancing the shelf-life and quality of fresh/fresh-cut produce. Compromised packaging also leads to flavour degradation due to oxidation and rancidity. Ensure the food packages are appropriately tested and pass the leak testing standards by acquiring reliable food packs leak test equipment. These food packaging testing methods ensure that food items remain fresh, and ensures that you incur fewer costs and save waste.
FOOD
PACKAGE
INDUSTRIES
Food packaging leak detection covers various products, and manufacturers should test all food items at risk of contamination from leakages. Therefore, a robust food packaging leak tester that can handle multiple packaging materials for products is crucial for businesses. Any company handling food should maintain consistent standards.
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Beverages
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Biscuits & bakery
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Cereals
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Cheese & dairy
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Coffee
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Confectionery
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Fruits & vegetables
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Infant nutrition
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Meat & fish
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Pet food
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Potato products
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Powders, proteins & ingredients
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Ready meals
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Snack food
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Vegan & vegetarian
Frequently asked questions
WHAT IS A LEAK?
A leak, according to ASTM F17.2740, is a hole, void, or defect in the packaging material or mated components of a package capable of passing particulate, aerosols, liquid, or gas from one side (inside or outside) of the package to the other side contrary to intention.
WHAT IS A LEAK TEST FOR PACKAGING?
A leak test identifies leakages in packaging materials that cause the ingress of air or moisture into the packed items. It is a procedure used to determine whether or not an object or system is functioning within a specific leakage limit. Leaks occur if there is a defect, like a hole or crack, in an object, thus allowing the liquid or gas it is holding to flow out.
HOW DO YOU SOLVE LEAKAGE PROBLEMS IN FOOD PACKAGING?
You can use leak testers for process control, ensuring quality by identifying minor leaks in packaged food items. The leak tester results will help you solve leakage problems, which are usually the result of sealing issues.
WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON LEAK DETECTION METHOD FOR FOOD PACKAGING?
The most common leak detection method is de vacuum decay test method, used to detect leaks in flexible and rigid packaging.