Flexible packaging for nonthermal decontamination by high hydrostatic pressure

International audienceHigh hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is an emerging technology in biosciences including foods, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, and medicine. Nonthermal decontamination, in particular cold decontamination (Pascalization), using pressure treatment (high-pressure processing, HPP) permits preservation of the inherent property of the material. Main applications of HHP are for the decontamination and at the same time preserve the properties of raw material. HHP is done by packing in flexible polymer film to avoid the contact with media and for pressure transmission. Film packaging has to be flexible, easily sealable, or closed by physical assembling. Packaging must present good mechanical properties, absent polymer complex migration to the product, and act as a barrier during HPP and to be leak-proof, which also helps in food security. The various parameters influencing flexible polymer behavior due to HHP and their aspects on food products are explained in detail in this chapter