Food allergies have surged in recent decades, a phenomenon of particular concern in Quebec, where the number of young people under 18 affected by food allergies has increased by 18% over the past 10 years, according to a Radio-Canada report in 2022. Faced with this alarming trend, food industry companies are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of preventing cross-contamination, which can have serious consequences for allergy sufferers.
Heat-sealed trays are proving to be essential tools in the fight against this risk, providing robust protection against the accidental transfer of pathogens or allergens from one food to another. This article explores the science behind heat-sealing technology and how it contributes to food safety.
The rise of food allergies: a challenge for the industry
Food allergies are a growing problem, particularly in environments where meals are prepared in large quantities for a wide audience, such as hospitals, schools, caterers, Meals-on-Wheels and prisons. Cross-contamination, where allergens or pathogens transfer from one food to another, is an ever-present threat. Even minute traces can trigger serious reactions, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
In this context, rigorous food preparation and packaging processes are essential to ensure consumer safety.
The role of heat-sealed trays in preventing cross-contamination
1. Heat sealing: a physical barrier against contaminants
Heat-sealing works by creating a physical barrier around the food, tightly sealing each portion in a separate compartment. This process uses heat to fuse the film onto the edge of the tray, creating a resistant, secure seal. This technique not only prevents the exposure of food to external contaminants but also prevents cross-contamination between different compartments of the same tray.
2. Prevention of allergen transfer
Heat-sealed trays are particularly effective in preventing the transfer of allergens. For example, in a school cafeteria where dishes containing allergens such as peanuts, soy or wheat are prepared alongside dishes that must be free of these substances, heat-sealing ensures that these dishes do not contaminate each other. Allergens cannot transfer through direct contact; each sealed tray is isolated from the others.
3. Reduced exposure to pathogens
Beyond allergens, pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and mold are also prevented from spreading by heat-sealing. The airtight barrier formed by heat sealing prevents the entry of air, moisture and other potential contaminants. This is crucial to maintaining food safety, especially in environments where food is stored or transported for long periods.
4. Maintaining portion integrity
Heat-sealing ensures that each portion remains intact and separate from the others, even during intensive handling or long-distance transport. This isolation is particularly important in hospitals and prisons, where meals often have to be moved around in a variety of environments before being consumed. The fact that each portion is individually sealed significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination due to accidental handling.
The science behind heat-sealing: how it works
The heat-sealing process is based on simple yet effective physical principles. When heat is applied to the plastic film covering the tray, it causes the layers of plastic to fuse together, creating an airtight seal. This seal prevents foreign substances, whether air, dust particles or micro-organisms, from entering the tray. This thermal and physical barrier is reinforced using plastic materials designed to withstand heat and pressure without deforming or cracking, ensuring continuous protection for the food.
Materials used in heat-sealed trays
Heat-sealed trays are increasingly made from eco-friendly, sustainable materials such as natural fibres from sugarcane, bamboo or pressed paper. These materials are known for their strength and ability to withstand the high temperatures required in the heat-sealing process while also offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics.
Not only do these natural fibres form an effective barrier against contaminants, but they are also compostable and recyclable, reducing the environmental impact of food packaging. These features make natural fibre heat-sealed trays an ideal choice for businesses seeking to combine food safety with sustainability.
Advanced technology for a perfect seal
Solpak’s modern tray sealers are designed to provide precise and reliable sealing. Our equipment, adjustable by a qualified technician, allows for the optimization of temperature and pressure to ensure a uniform seal. This reduces the risk of defective seals that could compromise food safety.
Best practices for maximizing safety
1. Staff training
Adequate staff training is essential to ensure that heat-sealed trays are handled correctly. This includes understanding food handling protocols to avoid cross-contamination before the heat-sealing process and the proper use of heat-sealing machines.
2. Use of separate preparation zones
To further minimize the risk of cross-contamination, it is recommended that food containing allergens be prepared in separate areas from allergen-free foods. Heat-sealed trays can then be used to secure these foods in designated areas, further reducing the risk of contamination during preparation.
3. Regular verification of seal integrity
Regular inspection of heat-sealed trays to ensure seal integrity is an essential practice. This allows any sealing issues to be quickly identified and corrected before the meals are distributed to consumers.
In a context where food allergies are constantly increasing, the use of heat-sealed trays offers an effective solution for preventing cross-contamination, thereby ensuring consumer safety. By creating a robust physical barrier against allergens and pathogens, heat-sealing allows food industry businesses to maintain high safety standards while protecting their reputation.
Contact us today to learn more about heat-sealed packaging solutions and how they can enhance food safety in your establishment. Our experts are ready to help you choose the best equipment and practices that best meet your specific needs.
