The importance of accurate labelling has come to the fore recently, with the revelation that the actual content of some packaged meat does not match what is claimed on the label.
“Food is a sensitive issue, as people are more health conscious than ever before and today’s consumers understand their right to know that the products they are buying are safe,” Marietha Strydom, Product Manager - Scientific & Helium, Special Products & Chemicals at Afrox says. “If you cannot trust what the label on the packaging claims, there can be no confidence in the product. Laws such as food labelling regulations, to protect the consumer, have an increasing role to play for the benefit of the end user.
Afrox supports this increasing consumer awareness and we provide labelling in line with the Consumer Protection Act and labelling laws.
As international and local regulations that govern food production and handling are revised and upgraded, the specialty gases and gas equipment used in the food arena have become increasingly sophisticated in response to these standards.
Afrox and Linde have, over the years, developed a broad offering for the food industry. Speciality gases are used in food analysis to support the integrity of food quality throughout the manufacturing and supply chain. Liquid nitrogen is used for chilling and freezing, sulphur dioxide for wine preservation and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) gases to protect food from deterioration and extend shelf life dramatically.
MAP gases and gas mixtures are used in food packaging, to maintain the fresh characteristics, flavour and colour for longer periods. A range of these products has been available from Afrox for more than 25 years and the Afrox FoodFresh brand launched about 15 years ago has developed into a range of products custom designed for specific food types.
From fresh fruit, meat, fish and salads, to baked goods and prepared ready meals, there is a FoodFresh product available that will extend the shelf life of all packaged fresh products from days to weeks. New applications are continuously being added to the Afrox database.
“We have full access to all research and development carried out globally by our holding company, The Linde Group, and we are able to tap into the support of group experts at any time,” Strydom says.
“FoodFresh is all about saving on losses due to spoilage, while preserving the fresh, natural goodness of the food. The gases used to achieve this are all present in the air we breathe and are 100% natural. No preservatives are required, as the MAP atmosphere protects the food against the specific spoilage mechanism typical to each type of packaged product. By excluding ambient air that promotes oxidation, mould or bacterial growth, the food is protected from spoilage, while maintaining the natural colour and flavour expected by consumers.
“We are able to assist food companies with process optimisation, regardless of whether they are small one-cylinder operations, or a packaging operation of the size that requires bulk supply with mixing panels. Afrox has the experience and technical support to assist with recommending the right mix, evaluating results, and making changes as and when required.
For assistance to choose the perfect product for your application, contact your nearest Afrox branch, or our national Customer Service Centre on 0860 02 02 02 and ask for Special Products.
Ends
Issued by: Serendipity Events, Promotions & Exhibitions
On behalf of: Afrox
Editorial contact: Loll Thomson (011) 467 2133
Mail to: loll@
Client contact: Marietha Strydom
Date: 25 June 2013
Editors’ notes:
About Afrox: www.afrox.com
African Oxygen Limited (Afrox) is sub-Saharan Africa’s leading supplier of gases and welding products. Established in South Africa 84 years ago, the company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 1963 and listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange in 1995. Today, as part of The Linde Group, a global leader in gases, engineering and technology solutions, Afrox operates in South Africa and in 10 more African countries, meeting the product needs of a wide range of customers drawn from sectors as diverse as heavy industry, healthcare and hospitality. Within the sub-Saharan markets in which it is active, Afrox manages five operations on behalf of The Linde Group. Throughout all regions, Afrox supplies the full range of large-volume on-site and bulk gases, cylinder gases, scientific and medical gases, refrigerants, packaged chemicals, helium and associated products. Based in Johannesburg and employing nearly 3,500 people, the company also serves it markets with gas equipment, welding consumables and safety products.
About The Linde Group: www.linde.com
The Linde Group is a world-leading gases and engineering company with around 62,000 employees in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2011 financial year, Linde generated revenue of EUR 13.787 bn. The strategy of the Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The Group is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.