Keywords

Mylar Bags, Food Storage, Corn, Beans, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the practicality of using extra large zip-lock mylar bags with oxygen absorber packets to store corn and beans in Chyulu, Kenya. Weevil usually gets in the food after about 5 months, so if the oxygen can be maintained at a low level, the corn and beans could be stored for longer than that. The goal is to be able to store the food for 18 months. In order to determine the practicality of using the mylar bags to store corn and beans, the following questions will need to be answered: · Are the bags strong enough and thick enough to provide a good oxygen barrier? · Does the corn or beans cause the foil lining and other parts of the laminate to fail? · Will this material be a sufficient barrier to insects (ie. cockroaches, saw-toothed grain beetles)? We already know they are not rodent proof.

Original Publication Citation

BYU Food Quality Assurance Laboratory