Extrusion for food packaging

[greg]

Hey all,
Is anyone familiar with adding preservatives to the bags which are used to contain cereals, inside the cardboard box?
Thanks!

[Len]

Greg,

Nothing specific, but the concept certainly sounds feasible.

"BHT butylated hydroxytoluene and BHA are antioxidants. Oxygen reacts preferentially with BHA or BHT rather than oxidizing fats or oils, thereby protecting them from spoilage. In addition to preserving foods, BHA and BHT are also used to preserve fats and oils in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals." - About.com

The antioxidative and preservative nature w/in the container could slow or retard oxidation of the food.

Len

[Louis]

Beyond my area of experience

[greg]

Urban Myth or Reality?
I heard that cereal companies put the preservatives in the plastics film instead of directly in the food so that they can make the claim' No Additives, No Preservatives' while actual preserving the cereal indirectly, anyone, anyone?

[Tom]

During my experiences with plastic beer bottles I understand some antioxidants were incorporated into the plastic, but that plastic was in the center layer of a multi-layer bottle eliminating any product contact. Also some screw top liners had oxygen absorbers built into them to lengthen shelf life. Seems likely to have some contact in that case.

So a multi-layer cereal bag with some politically incorrect additives in one of the center layers seems like a good idea.

This brings to mind a discussion about how well preserved the PVC old timers are. According to conventional wisdom they should all be long dead, but most seem to live to a rip old age. PVC stabilizers seem to stabilize them also.

Perhaps someone could explain about free-radical traps for polymers and how they might benefit people.

[Louis]

Being called "stable" at this point in my life is a complement for sure

[Len]

Being called "stable" at this point in my life is a complement for sure

Ditto!

Len