Food Safety Certification Practice Test

What type of packaging is referred to as hermetic packaging?

1. Containers that allow gases to enter

2. Containers sealed to prevent gas entry and keep bacteria out

3. Open containers with breathable materials

4. Any container made of plastic

The correct answer is: Containers sealed to prevent gas entry and keep bacteria out

Hermetic packaging refers to containers that are sealed tightly to prevent the entry of gases and microorganisms, including bacteria. This type of packaging is critical in preserving food quality and safety because it creates an airtight environment, which helps to inhibit the growth of spoilage organisms and pathogens. By preventing air exchange, hermetic packaging extends the shelf life of food products and maintains their freshness by reducing the risk of oxidation and contamination. Containers that allow gases to enter would not qualify as hermetic because this would counteract the very purpose of preventing spoilage. Open containers with breathable materials also do not provide the barrier needed to keep contaminants out, and while there are various types of plastic containers, not all are hermetic. Only those specifically designed to create an airtight seal would fit this definition. Thus, the correct description of hermetic packaging is that it is sealed to thwart gas entry and prevent the intrusion of bacteria.