When we buy a pack of potato chips, we often wonder if we're getting chips or just a bag filled with air. Another question that arises is why do potato chips become soft or stale when the package is left open?

The introduction of packaging gas during the food packaging process helps slow down food deterioration and significantly improves its shelf life.

Understanding Packaging Gas

Ambient air consists of approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and a small amount of moisture. When food products like potato chips are exposed to the air, they absorb moisture and quickly become soggy or stale. Oxygen, when in contact with unsaturated fatty acids in the food, causes it to become stale and develop an unpleasant flavor. Preserving the desired quality and extending the shelf life of food products poses a challenge for manufacturers. This is where packaging gas provides an effective solution. Packaging gas is introduced into the package during, before, or after the food is manufactured to prevent oxidation. Nitrogen is one of the most commonly used gases in various food products, including bakery items, dry fruit snacks, and processed meat products.

Nitrogen as a Packaging Gas

Nitrogen has gained significant popularity in the food packaging industry and is now used in other industries like breweries and coffee production. In breweries, nitrogen is used to create "nitro beer," while in the coffee industry, it is used to produce "nitro brew," enhancing the taste of the final product.

Nitrogen is fundamentally different from ambient air. While atmospheric air contains more oxygen and less nitrogen, nitrogen used for packaging purposes has a higher nitrogen content and lower levels of oxygen and moisture. Nitrogen is an inert gas that does not react with the color and taste of food products. Infusing nitrogen into the food package eliminates the presence of oxygen and moisture, modifying the atmosphere within the package and ensuring the best food quality and extended shelf life.

The use of nitrogen in food packaging also helps protect delicate food items from being crushed during transportation or handling.

It is crucial to tightly seal the package to prevent nitrogen from escaping. Once the package is opened, the contents are exposed to oxygen and air, leading to oxidation and spoilage. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the food products infused with packaging gas immediately after opening the package.

Is it Safe to Use Nitrogen in Food?

Before being used in industrial applications, nitrogen undergoes rigorous safety assessments. The World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives has evaluated the safety of nitrogen and concluded that it is entirely safe for use in food when following Good Manufacturing Practices.

What is Food-Grade Nitrogen?

Food-grade nitrogen refers to nitrogen with high purity levels, typically 99% or more. It does not contain any impurities, making it highly suitable for use in food products.

At Gaztron Engineering, we are leaders in manufacturing on-site nitrogen generators. Our plants have a longer lifespan compared to other generators, making them a popular choice among industrialists.

One of the prominent food manufacturers and packaging industrialists in Sonipat has installed our nitrogen plant with a capacity of 100 Nm3/hr and is highly satisfied with its performance.

For detailed information about Gaztron nitrogen generators, please contact us at info@gaztron.in.