Metal packaging

Food and drink, its processing and its packaging are increasingly viewed as an integrated whole, with consideration of them collectively as well as individually being essential in assuring consumer appeal, end product quality and safety. Not only must the package retain its integrity and have the correct physicochemical characteristics to do the job, it must also not affect the product by causing taints or loss of quality. Mike Edwards, Campden BRI microscopist, explains:

"Our specialist knowledge of metal packaging enables us to take a holistic approach to food and drink and the material that encloses it. For example, metal cans must be coated with the appropriate tin or lacquer layer; our specialised expertise in microscopy allows us to help with a number of problems including analysis of containers, and identifying the extent and cause of corrosion and delacquering. In particular, we can strip down and evaluate the seams from can ends – as this is one area where the hermetic integrity of the container could be compromised.

Avoid excess migration

Control of migration of tin and other materials from the container into the food is also very important. We can not only do the analysis for you, but also advise on how to avoid excess migration.

On the processing side, as well as pilot scale retorts to evaluate processing regimes, we can help with fill weights in cans, and leak tests can be used to detect perforations in the metal. If processing problems are encountered, they often manifest themselves in microbiological spoilage; we have a suite of microbiological tests that can help pinpoint whether there is an underprocessing or post–process contamination issue."

Contact: Mike Edwards
+44(0)1386 842017
mike.edwards@campdenbri.co.uk