Blogs

Ensuring the integrity of product packages is of utmost priority to snack food manufacturers. On-the-go snack products like wafers, chips, jerky,and coffee are vulnerable to deterioration by organic components such as moisture or air. Such foreign contaminants can enter the product through defective packages and accelerate the food decomposition process. In fact, mold, oxidation, flavor degradation, and spoilage are often the direct result of compromised package integrity. These factors can create a negative impact on consumers’ perceptions of a product and brand.

It is vital for manufacturers to ensure that packaged products are properly tested for integrity to insure that products remain fresh until they reach the consumer. Today, the market offers a wide range of leak testing that is both destructive and non-destructive. However, manufacturers should realize that a method applicable for one is not ideal for another. The leak testing method chosen should be based on the specific package specification and defect rate detection. Read on to know in detail about snack food packaging integrity testing method offered by PTI.

Package testing using PTI VeriPac Vacuum Decay Series

PTI's VeriPac inspection systems are ASTM approved vacuum decay leak test method (F2338) recognized by the FDA as a consensus standard for package integrity testing. This test method was developed using VeriPac leak test instruments. Vacuum Decay technology is a container closure integrity test (CCIT) method, referenced in the new USP <1207> Chapter Guidance as a deterministic test method for package integrity testing. This method is also listed in ISO 11607.

VerIPac test systems have a proven capability to non-destructively test a wide range of packaging formats without requiring any changeover when testing different size packages. Additionally, it is also possible to test multiple packages in a single test cycle. VeriPac provides a qualitative result (PASS or FAIL) as well as quantitative data that correlates to leak rate and leak size. Being a non-destructive method, the test allows non-defected packages to be returned to the production line, thereby reducing waste and improving testing capabilities. This makes it a practical alternative to destructive testing methods like water bath and dye ingress.

Technology Overview

The process begins by connecting VeriPac leak testers to a test chamber specifically designed to hold the sample package. Vacuum is applied to the package being tested. Using a single or dual vacuum transducer technology, vacuum levels, as well as changes in vacuum over a predetermined test time, are monitored. The changes in absolute and differential vacuum indicate the presence of leaks and defects within the package. VeriPac test systems are suitable for laboratory offline testing and can be designed for manual or fully automated operation. The test cycle takes only a few seconds, is non subjective, and non-destructive to both product and package.

VeriPac Inspection system:

• Non-destructive test method that ensures quantitative test results
• FDA recognized ASTM test method
• Referenced in USP 1207 guideline
• Cost-effective with rapid return on investment
• Supports zero waste initiatives