Package system with distribution gas insert

Abstract

Packaging systems (304) are provided for preventing post harvest microbial, including but not limited to fungal, diseases of food systems, such as but not limited to fresh produce, such as but not limited to berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, and / or the like). For example, various anti-microbial (e.g., anti-fungal) compounds (including multi-component compositions that can be selectively activated) can be incorporated into a container or sachet (26, 112) that in turn can be incorporated into a package insert (10, 100, 202, 300). The package insert (10, 100, 202, 300) can include various surfaces that are provided with a plurality of holes (22, 108, 204) formed therein for allowing the anti-microbial (e.g., anti-fungal) compounds to diffuse through the package insert (10, 110, 202, 300) and out through the plurality of holes (22, 108, 204). The package insert (10, 110, 202, 300) can be placed into a produce container (304), wherein the produce can then be introduced into the produce container (304) such that the produce is in proximity to the plurality of holes (22, 108, 204).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The instant application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 955,299, filed Aug. 10, 2007, the entire specification of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention generally relates to systems for preventing post harvest diseases of produce and more specifically to packaging systems incorporating anti-microbial (e.g., anti-fungal) compounds for preventing post harvest microbial (e.g., fungal) diseases of fresh produce, such as but not limited to berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries and / or the like).[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Fresh produce, such as but not limited to berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, and / or the like), are perishable items with a relatively short lifespan. High levels of sugars and other nutrients, along with an ideal water activity and low pH, provide a growth medium for va...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention, a packaging system is provided for the controlled release of various anti-microbial compounds, including but not limited to anti-fungal compounds, by incorporating them into a package insert. The anti-fungal compounds can include various compositions and / or mixtures of compositions. By way of a non-limiting example, the anti-fungal compounds can include two or more components that can be selectively mixed or combined to produce a gas or vapor that has anti-fungal properties. The anti-fungal compounds can be incorporated into a container or sachet (e.g., porous or discontinuous (e.g., with holes, slits, and / or the like)) that is in turn incorporated into a portion of the package insert (e.g., on or in a bottom surface thereof). The package insert can include various surfaces (e.g., chimneys, spikes, pillars, walls, corrugations, and / or the like) that include a plurality of holes formed therein. The package insert can be placed in the produce package, with the fresh produce introduced therein such that at least some of the fresh produce is in proximity to the plurality of holes. As the anti-fungal compounds begin, or continue, to diffuse or otherwise be emitted from the plurality of holes, they protect the packaged fresh produce from attack by fungal organisms.

Problems solved by technology

Post harvest losses during fresh produce storage and marketing, including but not limited to berry storage and marketing, are mainly caused by fungi such as Colletotrichum acutatum, Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea.

Additionally, Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium expansum, and Aspergillus niger are also common contaminants of various food systems, including fresh produce.

Control of these organisms is very difficult, even with preharvest anti-microbial application.

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