What are the advantages of vacuum sealing of food? Are there other kinds of preservation of nutritional value of food by eliminating contact with food?

Mona Shantouf, United Arab Emirates

Packaging has undergone some innovative product developments to help ensure a safe and more nutritious food supply. One method of packaging that may be used for products such as coffee and spices is vacuum packaging where the product is placed in a plastic or aluminium foil pouch and most of the air is removed. The package around a food allows the internal atmosphere to be retained so the food stays fresh and safe.
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) relies on altering the composition of gases in contact with the food by replacing air with a single gas or a mixture of gases. This is then combined with low temperature storage of less than 3 °C. The aim of MAP is to exclude or greatly reduce oxygen levels, to retain the moisture content of the food and to inhibit aerobic microbial growth.

Vacuum sealing and MAP are primarily quality related issues. The measures are used to extend the shelf life or to protect taste and flavour of the food.