i. Blister. A blister is an elongated bubble that weakens the body wall. It is a
major defect.
j. Bird Swing. This defect is a thread-like glass appendage inside the glass
container. It is a critical defect.
k. Leaker. A leaker has product leaking out of the container. It is a critical
defect.
2-18. RETORT POUCH DEFECTS
In general, retort pouch defects are similar to can defects. However, the
differences require some difference in explanation. Many new names appear in the list
of defects.
a. Leaker. A leaker's pouch with an incomplete closure of a seal or a puncture
that has ruptured the hermetic seal. This is likely to cause a hazardous or unsafe
condition for individuals using the product.
b. Sweller. Swellers may result from chemical changes or microbial growth
which produce gas. This is a hazardous or unsafe condition. Most retort pouch
products exhibit a slight vacuum indicated by a mild adherence of the pouch material to
its contents. However, the retorted cakes which are found in the MRE often exhibit no
vacuum or a slight swelling. These should not be construed as defects unless an open-
c. Tear, Cut, or Hole. Any tear, cut, or hole in the pouch is likely to cause a
hazardous or unsafe conditions for individuals using the product. Such defects are
usually due to mechanical damage or the way the container is handled.
d. Nonfusion Bonded Seal. A fusion bonded seal is one in which the inner
layer of the two sides of the pouch are melted into one mass, producing a hermetic seal.
The two separate layers can no longer be identified. If the seal can be pulled apart, the
bond is nonfusion.
e. Inadequate Seal. An adequate closure seal is any uncontaminated, fusion
bonded, continuous path from side seal to side seal that produces a hermetically sealed
package. A minimum width is normally specified for this continuous path. Current
military specifications require a minimum of 1/16 inch.
(1) Entrapped matter. Food, water droplets, or foreign matter may be
trapped during sealing, which prevents fusion bonding of a portion of the seal. The
entrapped matter may produce a leaker or a seal width less than the minimum
specified.
MD0708
2-21