Development of ready-to-cook/serve active packaging system for microwave potato products

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Potato is one of the largest vegetable crops in Canada. In 2015-2016, potatoes production reached 4.77 million tonnes, with exports of Canadian potatoes and potato products estimated at $1.6 billion. It is an important staple food in Canadian diet that provides many essential nutrients. While Canadians are aware of the importance of fresh vegetables in their diet, the extent of fresh produce consumption at home is largely influenced by convenience and sensory factors. Through partnering with EarthFresh Foods Inc., this project will develop an innovative ready-to-cook microwaveable active package system for potato. The multi-functional package aims to address the product shelf-life issues (e.g., sprouting, greening, microbial growth) and extreme conditions during the microwave cooking process. In addition to providing enhanced end-use convenience, the shelf-ready packaging system will minimize handling of products at the retail level that inflict product damages and potential microbial infection, thereby reducing food waste and enhancing food safety. The partnership will lead to the development of sound scientific understandings of the active packaging technology, which is important for the industrial partner to anticipate commercialization challenges and discover new opportunities for further product innovation. The project will also explore sustainable/compostable packaging substrate alternative to fossil-based plastics, which aligns well with the Government of Canada's announcement to ban certain single-use plastics and initiatives to reduce plastic pollution. The development of high quality and convenient ready-to-cook products will help address these consumer needs to promote the consumption of fresh vegetables, as well as to meet the changing consumer trend on increased food preparation at home accentuated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the envisioned active packaging technology is adaptable for other fresh-cut vegetable products, the outcome of this research will have a far-reaching impact on the potato industry and beyond.