b)Describe the functions of food packaging.
Packaging performs a series of different tasks: It protects its contents from contamination and spoilage ,makes it easier to transport and store goods and provides uniform measuring of contents
Four basic functions of packaging have been identified:containment,protection,convenience and communication.
These four function are interconnected and all must be assed and considered simultaneously in the package development process
1.Containment:
Product must be contained before they can be moved from one place to another
Hold the contents and keep them secure until they are used
Without containment ,product loss and pollution would be widespread
Faulty packaging(or under packaging) could result in major pollution in the environment
2.Protection:
Regerded as the primary function of packaging
To protect its content from outside environmental influences such as water,vapor,gasses,odors,microorganisms,dust,shocks ,vibrations and compressive forces.
To ensure full retention of the utility value of the packaged goods
The goods frequently also requir protection from climatic conditions,such as temperature ,humidity,precipitation and solar radiation
To prevent any contamination and mechanical damage due to the hazard of distribution
3.Convenience:
Ease of access handling and disposal
The package should be resealable and retain the quality of the product until completely used
Furthermore the package should contain a portion size that is convenient for the intended consumers
Convenient package promotes sales
4.Communication:
A package function as a silent salesman
The ability of consumers to instantly recognized products through distinctive shapes,branding and labeling enables supermarkets to function on a self service basis
The modern method of consumer marketing would fail without the message communication by the package
Today the widespread use of modern scanning equipment at retail checkouts relies on all packages displaying a universal product code(UPC) that can read accurately and rapidly
Nutritional information on the outside of food packages has become mandatory in many countries
When international trade is involved and different language are spoken,the use of unambiguous,readily understood symbols on the package is imperative
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