Requirements for food packaged in polymeric films.

The requirements of barrier properties of packaging materials against environmental factors vary with food products. The chemical, physical, and biological mechanisms of food deterioration due to environmental factors, vital properties required in packaging materials, and developments in progress and future trends to maintain the required standard of food quality have been critically reviewed. Theoretical and experimental results for a variety of food products in relation to the properties of the packaging materials are discussed. Methods of prediction of food stability and their industrial applications are also emphasized by specific examples.