CFS Food Packaging & Shelf Life

Question 1

What does MAP stand for in food packaging technology?

Accepted Answer

Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Answer

MAP stands for Modified Atmosphere Packaging, where the gas composition surrounding food is altered to extend shelf life by reducing oxidation or microbial growth.

Question 2

Which property of a packaging material measures its resistance to gas transmission?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR)

Answer

Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) measures how much oxygen can permeate through a packaging material per unit time and area, which is critical for oxygen-sensitive foods.

Question 3

A water activity (aw) value of 0.85 or below generally inhibits the growth of which organisms?

Accepted Answer

Most pathogenic bacteria

Answer

Most pathogenic bacteria are inhibited at water activity levels at or below 0.85, making this a critical control threshold for intermediate-moisture foods.

Question 4

What type of packaging incorporates agents that actively interact with the food or its headspace environment?

Accepted Answer

Active packaging

Answer

Active packaging incorporates functional agents such as oxygen scavengers, antimicrobials, or moisture absorbers that actively interact with the food or its environment to extend shelf life.

Question 5

Which packaging polymer is recognized as one of the best oxygen barrier materials used in multilayer food packaging?

Accepted Answer

Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)

Answer

EVOH (Ethylene vinyl alcohol) provides an exceptionally low oxygen transmission rate and is widely used as an inner barrier layer in multilayer food packaging structures.

CFS - Certified Food Scientist Practice Test

CFS - Certified Food Scientist Practice Test

CFS Food Packaging & Shelf Life