Study of the influence of deliberately applied mechanical damage to cans of peach in syrup on the development of internal corrosion

Abstract

The influence of damage to metal cans may result in an increase in the food/packaging interactions, resulting in food contamination by the metal present in the package. To simulate these reactions, three conditions of mechanical damage were introduced to metal cans of peaches in syrup in a controlled manner, to determine the evolution of the degree of internal oxidation of these cans as compared to undamaged cans, and to evaluate the possibility of exploiting the contents for consumption by the needy. The cans were classified according to the degree of damage and evaluated by a storage test for a period of 365 days under controlled temperature conditions, 35 °C ± 2 °C, with periodic evaluations of the visual internal appearance of the cans, the chromium, tin and iron concentrations in the product and the internal vacuum level of the can. During the storage period there was a reduction in internal vacuum, but the evaluations of the product showed there was no significant change in dissolution of the metals from the cans into the product, which remained in acceptable conditions, as also the appearance of the inner surface of the can. The study concluded that the damage to the cans of peaches in syrup did not lead to any major changes in product quality, regarding dissolution of the metals iron, tin and chromium.