Development of Packaging and Products for Use in Microwave Ovens

Book excerpt: The efficient design of microwave food products and associated packaging materials for optimum food quality and safety requires knowledge of product dielectric properties and associated heating mechanisms, careful consideration of product geometry, knowledge of modern packaging and ingredient technologies, and application of computer simulation, statistics and experimental design. Integrated knowledge and efficient application of these tools is essential for those developing food products in this demanding field.Development of packaging and products for use in microwave ovens provides a focused and comprehensive review for developers. Part one discusses the principles of microwave heating and ovens, with an emphasis on the effect of food dielectric properties and geometry on heating uniformity and optimising the flavours and colours of microwave foods. Microwave packaging materials and design are discussed in Part two; chapters cover rigid packaging, susceptors and shielding. Product development, food, packaging and oven safety is the topic of Part three. Computer modelling of microwave products and active packaging is discussed in Part four.Written by a distinguished team of international contributors, Development of packaging and products for use in microwave ovens is a valuable resource for those in the food and packaging industries. - Comprehensively reviews the principles of microwave heating and ovens assessing the effect of food dielectric properties on heating uniformity - Thoroughly reviews microwave packaging materials and design including testing and regulatory issues - Features a seven page section of colour diagrams to show heat distributions