Drawing on the research of a diverse group of scientists and pioneers in the field, Intelligent and Active Packaging for Fruits and Vegetables explores the new technology and applications used to bring fresh, safe, nutritious produce to the consumer. It explains modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and its use in the packaging of fruits and vegetables; discusses variations and advances on MAP such as high vapor-permeable films, and demonstrates modeling techniques to assist in the selection of packaging type. The book also includes a chapter on the use of RFID temperature monitoring in food packaging; considers the interaction between container and food product; covers the regulatory implications of nanotechnology in active and intelligent packaging; and more.

From the Preface: “...Definitions for intelligent and active packaging are evolving as these two fields evolve. Most seem to agree that active packaging connotes a package that `responds' to a suboptimal physiological or environmental condition in the package and improves it. Intelligent packaging, on the other hand, involves a package sensing conditions in a package and communicating this information to a human or an appliance...”

Target Audience: Food packaging scientists, engineers, chemists, microbiologists, and quality and safety experts, as well as upper-level students in these disciplines.

Table of Contents:

A Chronicle of Intelligent Packaging

History of Active Packaging

MAP As a Basis for Active Packaging

Active Packaging for Fruits and Vegetables

Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Vegetable Crops Using High-Water-Vapor-Permeable Films

MA Packaging Combined with Other Preserving Factors

Lessons from Other Commodities: Fish and Meat

Modeling Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Fruits and Vegetables

Interaction of Food and Packaging Contents

Natural Nontoxic Insect Repellant Packaging Materials

RFID Temperature Monitoring: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges

Selecting Authentication and Tracking Technologies for Packaging

Perceptions of Consumer Needs for Active Packaging

Needs for Active Packaging in Developing Countries

Regulation of New Forms of Food Packaging Produced Using Nanotechnology

Active and Intelligent Packaging: A European Anomaly

ACTIPAK in Europe

Index