Self-heating food packaging (SHFP) is active packaging with the ability to heat food contents without external heat sources or power. Packets typically use an exothermic chemical reaction. Packets can also be self-cooling. These packages are useful for military operations, during natural disasters, or whenever conventional cooking is not available. These packages are often used to prepare main courses such as meat dishes, which are more palatable when hot.
Chemistry
Self-heating food packaging - Self-heating food packaging (SHFP) is active packaging with the ability to heat food contents without external heat sources or power. Packets typically use an ...
Commercial heat sources for self-heating food packaging use an exothermic (heat releasing) reaction between quicklime, or calcium oxide, and water. Quicklime, inexpensive and readily available, is generally recognized by the FDA as safe. The product of the reaction is calcium hydroxide.
See also
- Active packaging
- Flameless ration heater
- Self-heating can
References
Books, General References
- Yam, K. L., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, 2009, ISBNÂ 978-0-470-08704-6
