INFORMATION ABOUT PRODUCTS AND CONTAINERS
Information gathered by Sister Powell and received from Joe Thompson, one of the supervisors of quality control for the church.
Why don’t we put oxygen packs in sugar?
The only insect eggs that may be present in sugar would be ants. They won’t hatch in a container that doesn’t contain enough oxygen. There isn’t enough oxygen left in the cans after being sealed. It won’t hurt sugar to put an oxygen pack in the can. It will, however, make the sugar even harder as it sits in the can.
My sugar is rock hard. What do I do with it?
My answer from Brother Thompson was “Bang it on a cement floor a few times!” When you open it, air and moisture from the air will help to soften it over time. You may also put a slice of bread or some saltine crackers in the opened can. Replace the plastic lid on the can. It will soften, but will take awhile (a couple of days, not minutes).
Why do we put oxygen packs in the fruit drink mix, since it is mostly sugar?
The compounds, other than sugar, in the fruit drink mix make it necessary to have the nitrogen, which is released from the oxygen packs, to help preserve the product for long term storage.
Why do we need to use dry ice when packing grains in plastic buckets? Why won’t the oxygen packets work the same?
Co2 in dry ice is considered a fumigant. It kills insects and eggs that may be present, by asphyxiation. The container must hold a 1% oxygen barrier for at least 2 weeks to make sure all insect eggs have been killed. The plastic buckets are porous and can’t hold enough of the oxygen out of the buckets so the insect barrier doesn’t last as long. The nitrogen from the oxygen packs will help to preserve the product, but not as much as the dry ice will.
Why doesn’t the church can leavening products; baking soda etc.?
When a leavening agent is canned it produces a gas. When there is a bulge in the can it is because of the gas that has been created. The leavening agent is losing/or has already lost its leaven.
How long will the pancake mix and potato pearls last?
These have a LIMITED shelf life. That means plan on using up the product in around 9 months for optimum quality.
Are PETE jars good for long term storage?
These jars are a good oxygen barrier. Store only low moisture and low oil content foods inside. For longer term storage be sure to put an oxygen packet in it.
Any insect eggs will be killed within a few weeks as long as you keep the container sealed for at least 2 weeks. The products will store well about 5 years. Keep these containers in a DARK area.
How long will food stored in the pouches last?
Products stored in pouches will last about as long as the #10 cans. The durability of the package is the most concern for length of storage. You need to take care of how you store the pouches. It is best to store them in the pouch box as this will protect them. If they get punctured then air will begin to enter the pouch and will greatly shorten the shelf life of the product
