Abstract

Packaging is an essential component of the food system, assuring the safe handling and delivery of fresh and processed food products from the point of production to the end user. Technological developments in packaging offer new prospects to reduce losses, maintain quality, add value and extend shelf-life of agricultural produce and consequently secure the food system. The objective of this review is to highlight the contributions of packaging in securing the food system by maintain quality and reducing food losses and waste. The review also discusses some of the novel and emerging packaging technologies that have revolutionized the way we handle and package food to meet the increasing consumer demand for consistent supply of high quality, safe and nutritious products.

Key words: Food system, food products, packaging, waste, plastic