FST 141 IMF

intermediate moisture foods (imf)

foods that are dry enough to be shelf stable and moist enough to be eaten readily

0.65-0.85 (0.60-0.90 kapag dehydrated)

water activity of imfs

20% to 40% (10% to 40% kapag dehydrated)

moisture content of imfs

less energy intensive than drying, refrigeration, freezing or canning, higher retention of nutrients, can be stored with or without special precautions

3 imfs advantages

packaging method

critical factor of IMFs

packaging requirements are not as strict as other food categories, suitable for direct consumption without preparation, can be easily shaped into pieces of uniform geometry

other 3 advantages of IMFs

can be formed conveniently into individual servings, high nutrient and caloric density, convenient and nutritious

last 3 advantages of IMFs

Aw reduction

imf technology where there is an addition of humectants

humectants

substances added to the food to lower Aw by attracting water in food

sugars, LMW polyols, protein derivatives, mineral and organic salts

examples of humectants in Aw reduction

maximum tolerance

MT meaning in addition of mycostatic and bacteriostatic agents

prevention of physical and chemical deterioration reactions

an IMF technology where there are addition of antioxidants

application of heat, addition of additives like acids

in inhibition of enzymatic deterioration, what are applied and added

edible protective superficial layer (EPSL)

an imf technology that uses coating materials

batters, bread crumbs, powders

examples of coating materials used for savory foods

chocolate, sugar or compound coatings

examples of coating materials used for sweet foods

partial drying, moist infusion or osmotic dehydration, dry infusion, direct formulation

4 steps of IMF production

feasibility of proposed product, aw range of the product, proposed packaging methods, proposed manufacturing methods, proposed QA schemes, selling the project

what are the futures of IMFs

new formulation, new antimicrobial agents, improved processes for large scale production

what are the 3 developments in the future of IMFs