Jarred and bottle-packed packaged goods their increasing popularity has brought about an examination of their benefits and disadvantages. The topics discussed include sanitation, packaging toxins as well as environmental impacts, and consumer security.
Packaging can have harmful as well as positive impacts. Knowing these negative effects will alert customers and let them select an option that is environmentally-friendly and personal.
The 21st century is one of the fastest-paced times in which there is financial value in time. Time-saving can be thought of as making money. In the present, a common method to save time (to earn money, obviously) is to store packaged food items. The packaging of food is equally widespread and has transformed the marketplace through technological and commercial advancements.
The growing demand to pack food items has led to an argument about its benefits and drawbacks. Some of the relevant topics include hygiene, toxins in packaging, environmental impact and consumer security.
Packaging can have positive and negative effects. However, information about these negative effects can help educate consumers and assist them to select a packaging that is safe for both their personal safety and the environment.
Food and beverages are sold and packaged in glass, plastic aluminum and even paper. Each one of these materials has its advantages and disadvantages both for the buyer and producer.
The advantages of bottled and packaged items
Jarred and packaged food items are considered to be an asset for those who are far away from their homes. They can be consumed at any time in the day. They are also great to store and keep. They don’t need to be kept in wraps or in storage containers.
They have been found to be less risky and susceptible to contamination than non-packaged food items. Even though they are not perfect, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is skeptical of the security of using recycled packaging, it’s considered to be secure. The shelf-life of these foods is much longer. These last for longer, and remain in good condition for a longer time.
The quality of food packaged is superior due to the fact that the packaging protects against environmental and physical damage in food handling, transportation and storage.
Containers made of aluminum, glass or plastic containers prolong the lifespan of the contents. The last but not least is the convenience. They also reduce our time and energy spent buying, cooking, and grocery shopping.
Hygiene
Food packaging is a great way to ensure hygiene when you move and store different foods and drinks. Packaging helps reduce the exposure to airborne contaminants and bacteria that are ingested that can cause sickness, such as food poisoning.
There are some concerns regarding the use of recycled materials in food packaging. The regulatory authorities have strict guidelines to ensure safety and hygiene for manufacturers who use recycled materials.
Packaging can also help store food in a clean and safe environment at home, since you don’t need to keep food in the open.
Duration
Different packaging styles help prolong the shelf life of different drinks and foods.
For instance, plastic permits you to alter the air during packing which reduces the risk of discoloration, and also prolongs the life of the product.
Metal and glass containers make use of this method to preserve food longer.
Additionally, using transparent plastic and glass can help you see any discoloration on the food prior to buying it. Foods that are not packaged properly expose to air and can cause the food to dry out or mold, or worse, spoil.
Advantages of jarred and bottled packaged products
After discussing the advantages and cons, let’s look at the negatives. Food packaging generates a significant volume of trash. It is responsible for a substantial amount of trash. Packaging is a large portion of the total cost of the food industry, so packaging increases the final price of food products and makes it more expensive than foods that are not packaged.
The main drawback is the negative impact of packaged foods on our health. Artificial flavors and food additives that are typically found in packaged food items can not just alter or enhance the flavor, but be harmful and/or unfit for consumption by humans.
A few of these health hazards include sudden symptoms of allergic reactions, such as indigestion, and an increased risk of contracting a variety of ailments, such as heart disease or lung cancer.
However, in order to address this issue, many items must carry an FDA labels for food. The labels not only provide an inventory of all ingredients, and expiration dates as well as nutritional information such as serving sizes, mineral and vitamin content.
Atmosphere
Based on Duke University researchers Patrick Reaves and Michael Nolan, consumer packaging represents the highest amount of paper and plastic waste, occupying 20 percent of all garbage dumps. Eliminating food packaging can reintroduce waste into the environment and has negative impacts.
Chelsea Rochman from the University of California The University of California explains that the majority of garbage is dangerous. For instance plastic is a major source of carcinogens or can affect the reproductive system.
Additionally, the majority of packaging isn’t biodegradable, and can affect the life of animals and humans, including marine life.
Cost
Food packaging adds to the cost of food items. Packaging accounts for between 10 and 50 percent of the price of food items. The requirement to use a smaller container that is in compliance with the requirements of health and federal standards raises the cost of production, which the producers transfer to consumers. Furthermore the storage and transportation of food products in smaller packaging costs more than when it is in large quantities.
Winners for jarred and bottle-bottled packaged products
To me, being aware of the risks to health of plastics is enough to stop me from using bottles and jarred packaging containers as a matter of precaution. If you are considering using containers made of plastic, bear in mind that they are only to be used for storage of dry or cold food items. It is also important to be aware of plastics. Identification codes for resin, which is the triangle that ranges from 1-7 is located in the bottom of the container. This code will tell you what type of plastic is within the container. Foods 1,2 5, 4, and are considered the safest. The number 3 is polyvinyl chloride or vinyl (PVC) and the number 6 is related to polystyrene, while the number 7 is for various polymers. BPA is found in plastic containers that have the numbers 3 and 7.
If it is practical, I suggest using glass containers for food storage. Although they’re not as useful, they can be used for cold and hot food items and are perfect for keeping the food you cook at home.
