Oxygen absorbers are chemicals or mixtures added to food packaging, with the main function of absorbing oxygen inside the packaging. Their core purpose is to extend the shelf life of food, maintain its color, flavor, and nutritional value, and prevent the growth of microorganisms.
Why are Oxygen Absorbers Needed?
Oxygen is one of the main causes of food spoilage:
- Oxidation Reaction: This leads to the rancidity of fats, loss of vitamins, fading or discoloration of natural pigments, and degradation of flavor compounds.
- Microbial Growth: Oxygen is essential for the growth and reproduction of molds, yeasts, and many bacteria. By absorbing oxygen, these microorganisms’ growth can be inhibited, preventing food from spoiling or rotting.
- Pest Survival: Some storage pests require oxygen to survive, and a low-oxygen environment can suppress their activity.
Principle of Oxygen Absorbers
Oxygen absorbers consume the free oxygen and dissolved oxygen in sealed packaging through chemical reactions or physical adsorption. They combine with oxygen, converting it into stable compounds, thereby significantly reducing the oxygen concentration inside the packaging.
Main Benefits of Oxygen Absorbers
- Significantly Extend Shelf Life: Effectively prevent oxidation and spoilage.
- Maintain Food Quality: Protect the color, flavor, texture, and nutritional content.
- Reduce Use of Preservatives: By inhibiting microbial growth, the amount of chemical preservatives can be reduced or eliminated.
- Inhibit Pests: Create a low-oxygen environment that is unfavorable for pests.
- Convenient to Use: Simply place the absorber inside the packaging and seal it.
Common Applications (Foods Using Oxygen Absorbers)
- High-Fat Foods: Nuts, fried foods, potato chips, pastries, meat products, oil-based condiments.
- Foods Prone to Oxidation and Color Change: Tea leaves, dried fruits and vegetables, dehydrated vegetables.
- Foods Prone to Mold: Mooncakes, cakes, bread, rice cakes, cheese, dried goods.
- Other: Coffee beans, milk powder, pet food, Chinese medicinal herbs, precision instruments, electronic components, cultural relic preservation, etc., to prevent oxidation and corrosion.
Important Notes
- Non-edible: Oxygen absorbers are not food and must not be ingested! Clear labeling is present on packaging.
- Distinction from Desiccants: Oxygen absorbers absorb oxygen, while desiccants absorb moisture. Their functions are different, and sometimes their appearance is similar. Please carefully check the labeling.
- Correct Usage: Oxygen absorbers are effective only in sealed packaging. Once the packaging is opened, the absorber will no longer work.
- Safety: Oxygen absorbers that meet food-grade standards are safe when used correctly.
Tianlitai Foods has been specializing in the research and development of food additives. It has its own R&D laboratory, microbiology laboratory, and product application laboratory, equipped with professional research and testing instruments and equipment. The company is dedicated to providing safe oxygen absorber solutions to users worldwide.
