When it comes to canned food storage, one question that often arises is whether oxygen absorbers can be used. As a supplier of oxygen absorbers, I’ve encountered this query numerous times from customers in the food industry, home canners, and those interested in long – term food storage. In this blog, I’ll delve into the science behind oxygen absorbers, their suitability for canned food storage, and the benefits they offer. Oxygen Absorbers
The Science of Oxygen Absorbers
Oxygen absorbers are small packets filled with materials that react with oxygen. The most common type of oxygen absorber contains iron powder. When exposed to oxygen, iron undergoes oxidation. The chemical reaction can be represented as (4Fe + 3O_{2}\rightarrow2Fe_{2}O_{3}). This reaction effectively removes oxygen from the surrounding environment.
The process is not only simple but also highly efficient. Oxygen absorbers can reduce the oxygen level in a sealed container from the normal atmospheric level of about 21% to less than 0.1% within a short period, usually a few hours to a couple of days depending on the size of the container and the amount of oxygen present.
Why Oxygen is a Problem in Canned Food Storage
Oxygen is a major enemy in food storage, especially for canned foods. There are several reasons for this:
Oxidation of Food Components
Oxygen can cause the oxidation of fats and oils in canned foods. This leads to the development of off – flavors and odors, a process known as rancidity. For example, in canned nuts or oily fish, the fats can quickly turn rancid when exposed to oxygen, making the food unpalatable.
Growth of Microorganisms
Many microorganisms, such as aerobic bacteria and molds, require oxygen to grow. When oxygen is present in canned food, these microorganisms can multiply, leading to spoilage. Even if the food has been heat – treated during the canning process, the presence of oxygen can provide an environment for the survival and growth of any remaining microorganisms.
Color and Nutritional Degradation
Oxygen can also cause the degradation of pigments in food, resulting in a loss of color. For instance, canned fruits may lose their bright colors over time due to oxidation. Additionally, vitamins and other nutrients in the food can be destroyed by oxygen. Vitamin C, for example, is highly sensitive to oxidation and can be rapidly depleted in the presence of oxygen.
Using Oxygen Absorbers in Canned Food Storage
The use of oxygen absorbers in canned food storage is generally a good idea, but there are some important considerations.
Types of Canned Foods
Not all canned foods are suitable for oxygen absorber use. For example, canned foods that require oxygen for their preservation, such as some fermented products, should not have oxygen absorbers added. Fermentation is an anaerobic process in some cases, but in others, a certain level of oxygen is needed to support the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
On the other hand, most non – fermented canned foods, like canned vegetables, meats, and fruits, can benefit from the use of oxygen absorbers. The absorbers can help extend the shelf life of these products by preventing oxidation and microbial growth.
Packaging Considerations
The packaging of the canned food must be air – tight. Oxygen absorbers work by removing oxygen from a sealed environment. If the can has leaks or is not properly sealed, the absorbers will not be able to maintain a low – oxygen environment. Additionally, the size of the oxygen absorber should be appropriate for the volume of the can. Using an undersized absorber may not remove enough oxygen, while an oversized one may cause unnecessary pressure changes inside the can.
Safety
Oxygen absorbers are generally safe to use in canned food storage. The materials used in the absorbers are non – toxic and food – grade. However, it’s important to ensure that the absorbers do not come into direct contact with the food. Most oxygen absorbers are packaged in porous sachets that allow oxygen to pass through but prevent the contents from leaking out.
Benefits of Using Oxygen Absorbers in Canned Food Storage
Extended Shelf Life
One of the most significant benefits of using oxygen absorbers in canned food storage is the extension of shelf life. By removing oxygen, the absorbers slow down the processes of oxidation, microbial growth, and nutrient degradation. This means that canned foods can be stored for longer periods without losing their quality.
Improved Food Quality
Oxygen absorbers help maintain the flavor, color, and nutritional value of canned foods. As mentioned earlier, they prevent rancidity, color loss, and vitamin degradation. This results in canned foods that taste better and are more nutritious when consumed.
Reduced Food Waste
With a longer shelf life and improved quality, the use of oxygen absorbers can help reduce food waste. Consumers can store canned foods for longer periods without having to worry about spoilage, and food manufacturers can reduce the amount of product that is discarded due to quality issues.
How to Choose the Right Oxygen Absorbers for Canned Food Storage
When selecting oxygen absorbers for canned food storage, there are a few factors to consider:
Absorbing Capacity
The absorbing capacity of an oxygen absorber is measured in milliliters (ml) of oxygen. You need to choose an absorber with a capacity that is appropriate for the volume of the can. For example, a small can may only require an absorber with a capacity of 50 – 100 ml, while a larger can may need an absorber with a capacity of 500 ml or more.
Packaging Material
The packaging material of the oxygen absorber should be food – grade and porous enough to allow oxygen to pass through. It should also be strong enough to prevent the contents from leaking out.
Shelf Life of the Absorbers
Oxygen absorbers have their own shelf life. It’s important to choose absorbers with a long shelf life, especially if you plan to store them for a while before using them in canned food storage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, oxygen absorbers can be a valuable tool in canned food storage. They offer numerous benefits, including extended shelf life, improved food quality, and reduced food waste. However, it’s important to use them correctly, taking into account the type of canned food, packaging considerations, and safety.
If you’re in the food industry, a home canner, or simply interested in long – term food storage, I encourage you to consider using our oxygen absorbers. Our products are of the highest quality, with a wide range of absorbing capacities to suit different needs. We can provide you with the right oxygen absorbers for your canned food storage requirements.
Bidirectional Humidity Card If you have any questions or would like to discuss your specific needs, please feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help you make the most of oxygen absorbers in your canned food storage.
References
- Labuza, T. P. (1971). Oxygen and shelf – life of foods. Food Technology, 25(11), 120 – 125.
- Karel, M., & Labuza, T. P. (1981). Physical and chemical aspects of food preservation. Marcel Dekker.
- Potter, N. N., & Hotchkiss, J. H. (1995). Food science. Chapman & Hall.
Foshan Weller Moisture Proof Technology Co., Ltd.
Foshan Weller Moisture Proof Technology Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional oxygen absorbers manufacturers and suppliers in China, specialized in providing high quality customized products. We warmly welcome you to wholesale bulk discount oxygen absorbers from our factory. For free sample, contact us now.
Address: No. 05 Yanjiang West Road, Shibu Industry District Longjiang Town, Shunde, Foshan, Guangdong
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