Developments in food packaging integrity testing

The inspection of both the seal integrity and seal strength of plastic packages containing low-acid shelf-stable foods is currently performed using destructive and manual test methods. Automated non-destructive sensing technologies would allow 100% inspection to be carried out on line. As will be discussed, the evaluation and application of such technologies for package inspection is advancing as a practical solution to the current problems associated with integrity testing. This article also examines how to determine critical defect parameters to be used as design criteria for these technologies.