Nitrogen purge of vacuum packaging
We are looking at vacuum packing organic freeze dried fruits and vegetables. We plan on using only for our small sample pouches. Not the entire packaging.
One system has a nitrogen purge. Would this violate organic integrity.
Commercial grade Nitrogen is normally from inorganic (not Organic) sources. At best it may come from "natural" sources - but again not Organic.
Inorganic forms include Nitrate, (NO3), Nitrate (NO2), Ammonia (NH3) and drum roll... nitrogengas (N2).
Organic nitrogen is found in cells of all living things and is a component of proteins, peptides, and amino acids.
My understanding is that it is close to impossible to get commercial grade nitrogen gas that is organic, unless you are willing to make it yourself -- and then it normally comes form organic soybean meal and other things.
In answer to your question, commerical non-organic nitrogen purge will violate the organic integrity of the product with a possible exception...
Take a look at the Non-GMO Project certification program - there may be an interesting twist to this in that their definition of non-gmo is 90% - thus a spread is allowed, just an idea for you. Technically speaking that could allow you to make the nitrogen gas an ingredient and still be qualified under the Non-GMO certification.
Thank you Glenn for the insight about Nitrogen.
When we investigate a "clean room, medical" vacuum sealer, it was believed that it would qualify for organic.
The company does sell a 'Nitrogen Generator" "and a "sterile air kit" for the machine. Then you need to verify that the compressed air is purified.
"The Nitrogen generator produces Nitrogen gas (N2) from a standard compressed air line. This model is designed to generate Nitrogen at purities between 95% and 99.5%."
Thank you again
Nitrogen Packaging is good for food products.
We are looking at vacuum packing organic freeze dried fruits and vegetables. We plan on using only for our small sample pouches. Not the entire packaging.
One system has a nitrogen purge. Would this violate organic integrity.
We are also using N2 gas as packing gas for our organic products, our auditor asked us for the food grade certificate and we got it from our N2 gas supplier and the auditor is ok with it. Here Nitrogen gas will not mix with the product (Coz of dry powdered Product) Nitrogen gas will prevent oxidation in the product and to some extent avoid microbial growth.
We also are the use of N2 fuel as packing gas for our natural products, our auditor asked us for the meals grade certificates and we were given it from our N2 gasoline provider and the auditor is good enough with it. Nitrogen gas will now not mix with the product (Coz of dry powdered Product) Nitrogen gas will prevent oxidation within the product and to some extent avoid microbial growth.
We also are the use of N2 fuel as packing gas for our natural products, our auditor asked us for the meals grade certificates and we were given it from our N2 gasoline provider and the auditor is good enough with it. Nitrogen gas will now not mix with the product (Coz of dry powdered Product) Nitrogen gas will prevent oxidation within the product and to some extent avoid microbial growth.
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