Page 31 - FoodFocusThailand No.187 October 2021

SPECIAL FOCUS

as rock, dirt, or sand. The third is to separate other objects that are
probably in between raw materials. In addition, the accessory such
as UVC can be built-in to kill bacteria in water during the washing
process.
Various types of machines are used in the raw material preparation
process to increase efficiency and reduce wastage. The machines
can be used for various functions such as derinding and skinning,
cutting, and mixing. For vegetables, the great challenge is the diversity
in shape and size. Vegetables are often used in different sizes and
cutting forms according to a particular menu. So, there will be various
needs in cutting functions. For unique vegetables like broccoli, skillful
labor is required manually. For common vegetables like cabbage,
peppers, yard-long beans, onions, scallions, chives, etc., the
multi-purpose automatic slicer can be very useful to increase
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productivity. This slicer can cut vegetables precisely in the same size,
and it can keep a good cutting form of each slice. The blades can be
easily changed or adjusted for various cutting, such as thin slices,
strips, or dice with a specified thickness. The equipment can minimize materials are thus required. In the past, the paper tray could only be
wastage, increase productivity, and cut down on unfortunate heat-sealed. Because of old-technology paper tray wrinkly corners, the
contamination by the workers. MAP is not possible. The gas will slowly leak out. The trend of green
and environmental-friendly packaging has spread globally. Even
Cooking Process machine producers have emphasized their development. With a
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Various cooking processes such as soft-boiling, hard-boiling, corporation between Italy and the UK , a new type of paper tray was
stir-frying, stewing, frying, and stirring can be done by machinery. The invented and is possible to be used with MAP. Flat cardboard with a
machine can enhance the production process to be more consistent patented design will be formed into a 3D tray by a patented machine.
and automatic. The automated process can reduce the production A film liner is applied inside the trays so that they can contain liquid food
time and increase productivity. For instance, the multi-purpose without leaking. Both the film liner and paper trays can go to recycle
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stir-fry machine can set the automatic program of each menu with process in order to reduce the waste.
multiple-step settings. Let’s take a look at the Massaman curry menu In this highly competitive market, the image, brand identity,
as an example. The first step is to simmer the coconut milk with curry prominence, and cost of the packaging are challenging to the marketing
paste. The machine can apply a high temperature set to boil the department of every company. Packaging banding becomes another
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coconut milk and a high-speed stirring paddle to break up the curry alternative way to enhance the appearance and to help in communicating
paste. After that, the high-temperature setting remains, while the with consumers. The band can be printed with a logo, food pictures,
stirring speed reduces to medium for keeping ingredients unified. and a cooking recipe with attractive designed colors for both sides,
At last, the simmering process can be done at a low temperature and unlike a sticker. In addition, another significant benefit of the banding
a low-speed paddle for a longer period of time. There will be a displayed is food safety. The tray and lid can be designed with grooves so that
light and message at each step completion to inform what next to do band will not slide out of the container. The band is sealed by heat, not
to ease an operator. By applying the automatic function settings, the by glue. Consequently, once it is opened, it cannot be reattached, unlike
cooking process is controllable with consistent taste and quality. a sticker. Therefore, when consumers receive Ready-to-Eat food with
Timing is a significant factor in every production. The machine a band, they can be assured that the food is entirely safe after production
can help to minimize the timeline of each step. For example, the until it reaches the consumer.
machine can handle pressurized boiling. Because of pressurized This banding machine can also be used with film and paper material.
cooking, the products become very soft in a shorter time. Moreover, The option helps to meet up with the cost. This film band could cost up
the machine has a function of delay start. For example, an operator to 60 percent less than a paper one. Therefore, the food producers can
sets the machine to start making soup at 6:00 am by adding the utilize the banding for the appearance, safety, cost, and prominence of
ingredients such as beans in advance. Then, the machine will start products for Ready-to-Eat or Ready-to-Cook foods. They can choose
working according to the setting by filling water automatically and then suitable materials to fit their requirements.
heating. When the operator comes to work at 8:00 am, the soup is For Ready-to-Eat and Ready-to-Cook foods, the high-quality
already finished and be ready for the next step of production. production and packaging technology can increase process efficiency.
The advanced machines require fewer numbers of operators. So, the
Packaging Process entire process has less risk of contamination. The production can also
Ready-to-Eat food packaging comes in various styles form. Apart be more productive with the same amount of time spent. Likewise, the
from the appearance and protection purposes, the packaging can quality is consistent in terms of hygiene and production standards. Plus,
also extend the product’s shelf life by adding gas or seal it with the the products will have a longer shelf life. The technology gives
technology called Skin Pack . This sealing technique is generally competitive advantages so that they can add uniqueness to the product.
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applied in fresh food products, such as sliced beef or salmon fillet. Most importantly, it can meet consumer expectations in terms of food
It can last for 3-4 weeks. At present, many countries have adopted safety and product quality.
this sealing technique for Ready-to-Eat food for longer shelf life as
well.
Most of the packaging materials used are plastic, which can be
applied with a gas-filled or a skin-pack seal. However, plastic material
can cause landfills and environmental problems. Since food producers More Information Service Info C002
and consumers are both concerned about the issues, alternative

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