Protecting soymilk flavor and nutrients from photodegradation.

Five different packaging treatments were studied over a 36-day period to determine if they protected soymilk from photo-oxidation. Soymilk was packaged in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles with and without light protective additives (LPA). Two controls [(1) no LPA (translucent appearance); (2) a light-protected control (foil overwrap over no LPA control)] and three LPA-containing treatments, Low (0.6% TiO2), Medium (1.3% TiO2), High (4.3% TiO2) were studied. Bottles were stored in a lighted refrigerated display case (average light intensity between 800 to 2200 lux; 3°C) for 36 days and evaluated weekly. Soymilk packaged in high LPA bottles was protected from developing light-oxidized off-flavors and odors for a minimum of 15 days. High LPA bottles provided protection for riboflavin and controlled development of photooxidative products for approximately 29 days.

Contribution of chlorophyll to photooxidation of soybean oil at specific visible wavelengths of light.

Photosensitizers in foods and beverages are important considerations when selecting packaging materials. Chlorophyll is found at low concentrations in many food products. The objective of this study was to determine the photosensitizing effect of chlorophyll on soybean oil (SO) using broad-spectrum light and 3 visible wavelength regions of light. SO with added chlorophyll (0, 1, or 2 µg chlorophyll added/mL SO) was exposed to 5 light conditions, using a photochemical reactor (10 °C; 4 h). Light treatments included broad-spectrum (BS; no filter; 157.6 ± 4.7 mW intensity), 430 nm (10 nm; 1.8 ± 0.7 mW), and 660 nm (10 nm; 0.332 ± 0.05 mW) wavelengths compared to a no-light control. Chlorophyll a (but not b) absorbs light in the selected visible wavelength regions. Chlorophyll degradation was evaluated. Oxidative changes in SO were assessed by peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay, which measures malondialdehyde (MDA). Chlorophyll was completely degraded at BS and 430 nm conditions and degraded to 36% of original concentration at 660 nm wavelength. PV and MDA concentration significantly increased with chlorophyll addition (1 µg/mL) at BS and 430 nm wavelengths compared to no-light control. Lower light intensity at 660 nm initiated oxidation reactions as measured by PV, but not significantly. There were differences in PV (BS, 430 nm) and TBARS (BS) between the no-light and light-exposed SO without chlorophyll added. There was very little effect at 450 nm. This study suggests that broad-spectrum light and at least light wavelengths at or near 430 nm and 660 nm excite chlorophyll, resulting in initiation of oxidation reactions. Packaging material selection for foods and beverages should consider blocking excitation wavelengths of photosensitizing molecules, including chlorophyll, to protect product quality.

Sensory impacts of food-packaging interactions.

Sensory changes in food products result from intentional or unintentional interactions with packaging materials and from failure of materials to protect product integrity or quality. Resolving sensory issues related to plastic food packaging involves knowledge provided by sensory scientists, materials scientists, packaging manufacturers, food processors, and consumers. Effective communication among scientists and engineers from different disciplines and industries can help scientists understand package-product interactions. Very limited published literature describes sensory perceptions associated with food-package interactions. This article discusses sensory impacts, with emphasis on oxidation reactions, associated with the interaction of food and materials, including taints, scalping, changes in food quality as a function of packaging, and examples of material innovations for smart packaging that can improve sensory quality of foods and beverages. Sensory evaluation is an important tool for improved package selection and development of new materials.