What are they made of?
These particular pouches are made of multilayer laminated plastic and aluminium. The material is 7 mils thick and provides protection for food against moisture and insects. The pouches hold 4 litres of products.
How are foil pouches used?
Foil pouches, like metal cans, are used by the food industry for packaging a wide range of both wet and dry pack foods. Wet pack in pouches requires sophisticated pressure systems that are not practical for home processing. For home use, use the pouches for dry pack only.
What are the advantages of pouches?
- Do not rust
- Can be cut into smaller packages
- Easily reusable
- Easier to transport than empty cans.
What foods can be dry packed in pouches?
Foods, which are shelf-stable and low in moisture and oil content.
How much food does each pouch hold?
Example weights: wheat 3.2 kilos, rice 3.1 kilos and dry milk 2.3 kilos.
Do foods react with the aluminium in the pouch?
No. Foods do not come in contact with the aluminium in the pouch. The aluminium barrier is important in protecting the food from moisture and oxygen and is separated from the food by an inner layer of food grade polyethylene. Pouches that are clear or translucent do not have the same barrier qualities as this type of pouch.
What is the purpose of using oxygen absorbers in pouches?
Absorbers remove oxygen from the air in the pouch. The low oxygen content is lethal to insects.
What is the best way to seal pouches?
Impulse pouch sealers that meet the following specifications: 5 mm wide seal, 350 mm wide jaws, rated for up to 8 mil (250 microns) thick pouches, and equipped with a safety switch to cancel operation if jaw is obstructed.
Do not use clothes irons or other household heating devices to seal these pouches.
Will the sides of the pouch pull in?
Yes, but it may not be noticeable. The amount of "vacuum packed" appearance of the pouch will depend on the type of product and amount of air left in the pouch. Within a few days of packaging, the sides of the pouches will begin to draw in as the oxygen is absorbed. This is more noticeable with granular foods than with powdered products. The residual air in the pouch is mostly nitrogen, which is an inert gas that does not affect food.
How should pouches of food be stored?
Dry pack pouches may be stored on shelves, in cardboard boxes, or in any other containers. Exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided. Food storage is best in a cool, dry, rodent free area. Storage containers should be spaced away from direct contact with concrete walls or floors.
Are pouches rodent proof?
No. Pouches are not rodent proof. If rodents are a significant potential problem in the storage area, the pouches could be placed in larger, more rodent resistant containers such as plastic storage containers, plastic buckets, metal drums or new metal garbage cans.
Can pouches with zip lock seals be used with oxygen absorbers?
No. Zip locks do not provide a seal that is adequate for oxygen absorber packaging.
Can 72 hour kids be packaged in pouches?
No. Many of the items in emergency supplies are not suitable for packaging in either #10 cans or foil pouches. First aid supplies and emergency rations, such as granola bars, are best packaged in containers with removable lids for frequent rotation.
Can pouches be used for water storage?
No. The pouch sealers are not waterproof. They are to be used for dry pack storage only.
Can pouch sealers be used at home?
Yes. Portable pouch sealers are available for check out from home storage centres (in the US). You can purchase things like this from Australia (they say they seal foil bags but please research thoroughly yourself) - http://www.thepackagingcentre.com.au/categories/6-VACUUM-SEALERS/machines/157-Vacuum-Heat-Sealer-TPC320v-PACK. The bonus that seem to be with this model is that it not only heat seals foil pouches, but if you like the clear plastic pouches to seal food in for your refrigerator, this sealer will do that as well. Will work as both a heat sealer and removes air.
Is it always necessary to package storage foods in pouches?
No. It may be less expensive and more acceptable to store some foods in their original containers. Food items, which are kept in good storage conditions and frequently used, may not need additional packaging.
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