Comparative Effects of Microwave and Water Bath on the Packing Films of Milk

Milk is heated by microwave or conventional water bath in our daily lives. To investigate the influence of heating modes on food package safety, the present work is designed to compare the changes to packaging materials of milk subjected to microwave treatment and water bath. The mechanical properties of milk package materials were compared, and the migration of harmful substances from the films was analyzed. The results showed that the microwave and water-bath treatments could both influence the mechanical properties of the film. For the heat-sealing strength, the susceptibility of the package materials from different manufacturers was varied. For the tensile strength, the changes were obvious after treatment. Both treatments could induce migration, but the amounts of migrating materials were within the limit permitted by the national standard.