Food Safety Concerns for Noodle Production using MAP Packaging

Dear all;

 

We are an Asian noodle manufacturer company. Presently we are testing packaging of noodles by using MAP technology with a view to enhancing product shelf life. The raw product is flushed with MAP gases before being packed in thermoformed film trays. We use pre-mixed food grade N₂ and CO_{2 ^{gases at 50:50 ratio for the purpose. So far shelf life and lab tests are going well. Now we are trying to create a pre-op checklist for our operator before he starts the machine. Appreciate if anybody shares his knowledge regarding this process, what food food safety concerns are involved here involving these MAP gases and what are other concerns that must be addressed before starting packaging machine.}}

 

_{^{With best regards,}}

 

_^Iqbal

Hi Iqbal,

 

I assume the MAP Product is stored chilled and NRTE.

 

afaik this scenario typically requires a shelf life which takes into account the potential risk due growth of C.botulinum / toxin production.

 

I hope you possess a QA Operative who has Microbiological experience.

Hi Charles,

 

Thanks for your comment. Our product is not ready to eat; before eating cooking will be required following label instruction. 

 

Regards,

 

Iqbal

I have bo input other than to say I LOVE UDON! Just can bot seem to get good packages of it here in the us.

Hi Charles,

 

Thanks for your comment. Our product is not ready to eat; before eating cooking will be required following label instruction. 

 

Regards,

 

Iqbal

Hi !qbal,

 

afaik my previous comment is unchanged.

Hi Iqbal123,

 

I agree with Charles here that the product may have microbiological risks associated with its MAP packaging. I'm assuming this is a cooked noodle in a tray, that the customer is supposed to add hot water to? In the case of an anaerobic environment, your micro concerns are a bit more unique. Make sure you understand your product's pH and water activity. From there you should be cross-referencing this information with growth conditions for pathogens of concern. 

 

As for your equipment, if you're relying on MAP packaging to be what dictates the safety/quality of your food, the sealing of your trays will become very important. Startup procedures on your machine should at least verify the integrity of the film sealing to the tray, the integrity of the film material itself, as well as the good operation of your gas injection equipment. I don't have much experience with film trays themselves, but I would think a cleanliness verification of the machine parts responsible for applying the film seal prior to startup is warranted. Depending on the method of application, these parts can become caked with glue or melted plastic over time, resulting in a poor seal.

I think in order to achieve you're end goal----you could consider partially drying the noodles----which in turn will lower the water activity which should help a great deal

 

This may be of help

https://www.mdpi.com.../11/12/1504/pdf

 

https://www.inspecti...14870197?chap=0

 

https://www.foodstan...vacpacguide.pdf