e. Anomalies caused by entrapped moisture or vapor (which typically appear as
concave spots on the tray flange surface) that result in less than 1/8" of defect free seal
width at the outside edge of these spots.
3. Delamination Defect classification:
a. Major AEvidence of outer ply delamination such that the adjacent ply in the
lid body is exposed or evidence of multi ply delamination such that the food contact
layer is exposed. Any evidence of outer ply delamination of the tray body or internal
layer separation with the tray body due to, (for example) poor adhesion between layers.
b. Major B--Delamination of the outer ply in the lid seal area that can be
propagated to expose the adjacent ply at the food product edge of the lid. The
separated outer ply shall be grasped between thumb and forefinger and gently lifted
toward the food product edge of the seal or if the separated area is too small to be held
between thumb and forefinger, a number two stylus shall be inserted in the delaminated
area and a gentle lifting force applied against the outer ply. If separation of the outer ply
can be made to extend to the product edge of the seal with no discernible resistance to
the gentle lifting, the delamination shall be scored as a Major B defect. Additionally,
spot delamination of the outer ply in the body of the lid that can be propagated beyond
its initial borders is also a Major B defect. To determine if the delaminated area is a
defect, use the following procedure: Mark the outside edges of the delaminated area
using a bold permanent marking pen. Open the tray and remove the contents. Cut the
lid on opposing sides of the delaminated area not closer than 3/16 inch from the
delaminated area. Hold the delaminated area between the thumb and forefinger of
each hand with both thumbs and forefingers touching each other. The delaminated
area shall then be rapidly flexed 10 times by rotating both hands in alternating
clockwise-counter clockwise directions. After flexing, the separated outer ply shall be
grasped between thumb and forefinger and gently lifted away from the lid surface or if
the separated area is too small to be held between thumb and forefinger, a number two
stylus shall be inserted into the delaminated area and a gentle lifting force applied
against the outer ply. Any propagation of the delaminated area, evidenced by the
delaminated area exceeding the limits of the outlined borders, shall be scored a Major B
defect.
c. MinorMinor delamination of the outer ply in the lid seal area is acceptable
and shall not be classified as a minor defect unless it extends to within 1/16 inch of the
food product edge of the seal. Isolated spots of delamination in the body of the lid that
do not propagate when flexed shall be classified as minor. Post-retort wrinkling of the
outer ply in the lid seal area shall also be scored as a minor defect.
NOTE: Post-retort wrinkles of the outer ply are typically perpendicular to the flange
direction, in a straight line, and extend from within the food product area to the
outer edges of the lid.
Table 4-9. Defects for flexible pouches. (Concluded)
MD0718
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