The Food and Drug Administration regulates the production, manufacture, processing, packaging and labeling of food and drug products. As a result, all packaging that comes in contact with food must be FDA-approved. For some foods, this might not seem so important (e.g, nuts in shells, foods that require washing before eating, eggs, etc.). For others, however, packaging is of critical importance to ensure the contents are safe for human consumption.

It has been estimated that demand for packaging meat, poultry and seafood is expected to grow 5% annually. Technological advances in packaging and an increase in demand for fresh and frozen seafood have combined to drive this segment of the market.

Highly effective seafood packaging is critical due to the fact that "seafood" (which, for the convenience in this discussion, includes freshwater fish as well) is highly perishable, sensitive to harmful microbial growth and deteriorates (i.e., rots) quickly. Prolonging shelf life is an important feature for most packaging; it's a priority when packaging seafood.

A stand up pouch makes for ideal seafood packaging. Also called a stand up bag, barrier bag and Mylar® film bag, a stand up pouch is built by laminating together multiple layers of scientifically formulated layers, resulting in a moisture and puncture resistant package. Sturdy and stable, a stand up pouch protects seafood from vapor, odor, bacteria and oxygen (on which unwanted microbial bacteria feeds). According to the Seafood Network Information Center:

Packaging conditions that reduce the amount of oxygen present in the package (e.g. vacuum packaging) extend the shelf life of product by inhibiting the growth of aerobic spoilage bacteria. The safety concern with these products is the increased potential for the formation of C. botulinum toxin before spoilage makes the product unacceptable to consumers.

Stand up pouch seafood packaging reduces oxygen in the packaging environment, keeping it safe as it travels from processing plant to the grocer's freezer and then the home. Not only does the barrier keep out unwanted agents, it seals in freshness and flavor, thereby offering the length of extended shelf life consumers seek. Available zip lock closures further protect package contents.

Seafood packaging has come a long way from the days of "fish wrap" and newspaper. Stand up pouches offer convenience and safety in a flexible package that is FDA approved, consumer friendly and freezer ready. For packaging your seafood, there's no need to fish for anything else..

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