Oxygen Absorber vs Silica Gel
Find out more about the difference between Oxygen Absorbers and Silica Gel. A common question is frequently asked, especially from the food industry, for bulk packing food items for long-term storage. There has been confusion between oxygen absorbers with the small packets found in the new shoe boxes and purses saying “do not eat.”
We will discuss more on Oxygen Absorbers and Silica Gel and what characteristics make them different.
Oxygen Absorbers, also known as oxygen scavengers are mini sachets containing iron fillings, clay, and salt. The clay element produces moisture, and the combination of salt will activate the iron fillings to absorb oxygen. This process begins as soon as the Oxygen Absorber packet is exposed. Upon exposure, the iron fillings start to oxidise straightaway, which forms rust and starts releasing nitrogen. It is this nitrogen that helps in keeping food fresher for a more extended period. The lack of oxygen in the packaging will help keep weevils and insects from infesting the food item.
Oxygen Absorbers
Oxygen Absorbers, also known as oxygen scavengers are mini sachets containing iron fillings, clay, and salt. The clay element produces moisture, and the combination of salt will activate the iron fillings to absorb oxygen. This process begins as soon as the Oxygen Absorber packet is exposed. Upon exposure, the iron fillings start to oxidise straightaway, which forms rust and starts releasing nitrogen. It is this nitrogen that helps in keeping food fresher for a more extended period. The lack of oxygen in the packaging will help keep weevils and insects from infesting the food item.
Some other characteristics of Oxygen Absorbers are:
- Salt and sugar do not need oxygen for long-term storage as both of them will turn rock solid
- Once the packaging is exposed, take out what is required and store the rest in an airtight jar
- Keep the exposure of the oxygen absorbers to the minimum; otherwise, frequent exposure will get them all activated
- For oxygen scavengers to be effective, use the right amount of oxygen scavengers for the food packaging
Common Mistakes When Using Oxygen Absorbers
Oxygen absorbers begin working as soon as they are opened, and a common mistake is that users open the packet too soon, failing to place them in a sealed container quickly. This is a problem as the packets will absorb air and would not have much iron left to preserve your food. Another mistake is that users try to use the ones that no longer work. So how can you tell? Most Oxygen Scavengers contain a little pink pill that changes colour and turns blue if the Oxygen Scavenger has expired or is no longer useful. Another method of checking is to hold the packet in your hand. If you can feel the loose powder, it means it's ready to use. If it's hard or solid, it usually means the contents have been used up and should be discarded. It is also helpful to store extra absorbers carefully. The better you preserve them, the less frequently you need to buy more replacements. In addition, it is also environmentally friendly.Advantages of Oxygen Absorbers
Oxygen Absorbers are non-toxic, safe to use, and FDA approved. Use Oxygen Absorbers in food packages to prevent colour change and infestation. They help maintain food quality, such as delaying discolouration and darkening fruits and some vegetables. They also help maintain the quality of polyunsaturated fats and oils and prevent them from going rancid. Oxygen Absorbers effectively reduce the aerobic environment down to 0.01 percent oxygen by absorbing most of the oxygen in the packaging. This inhibits the growth of any microorganisms or fungi in food products such as dairy, pastries, nuts, and fish. Oxygen absorbers also help extend the shelf-life of pharmaceutical products and minimize the need for some preservatives.Disadvantages of Oxygen Absorbers
Oxygen absorbers can only be used on dry foods and low oil content foods. Oxygen absorbers must be used for products that contain 10% moisture or less; otherwise, it can present chances of botulism poisoning. Additionally, oxygen absorbers can only remove a small amount of oxygen from each piece of packaging. They are also single-use and cannot be reused.Silica Gel
Silica Gel is essentially a composition of silicon dioxide or porous sand. It is beneficial for reducing condensation and allows any stored items to remain dry even during extreme damp and humid conditions. The most common use of Silica Gel is often found in the packaging of bags, vitamins, shoes, and other computer equipment. Silica Gel’s ability to inhibit moisture gives it a unique characteristic to prevent mould growth in the packaging. An example advised would be to use 10 grams of desiccants for a five-gallon basket size packaging for storage. Use the desiccant to pack dried food items for retention of the crispness and hardness. They are also useful to store food items such as fish, meats, poultry, vegetables and fruits, blankets and sheets, and absorbent pads. Some of the other items where Silica Gel can come in handy for packaging are:- Camera and video equipment
- Photos
- Gun cases and ammunition cans
- Non-prescription and prescription medicines
- Toolboxes
- Seed packets
- Important documents
- Luggage, etc
