Stewart Postharvest Review

An international journal for reviews in postharvest biology and technology

© 2011 Stewart Postharvest Solutions (UK) Ltd.                                                                                                  

Online ISSN:1945-9656

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Online ISSN:1945-9656

www.stewartpostharvest.com  © 2005 Stewart Postharvest Solutions (UK) Ltd.

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Preventing stored-product insect infestations in packaged-food products

 

 

 

Christos G Athanassiou¹*, Jordi Riudavets² and Nickolas G Kavallieratos³

¹Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou str., Nea Ionia, Magnissia, Greece

²IRTA, Entomology, Ctra. Cabrils Km 2, Barcelona, Spain

³Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Kifissia, Attica, Greece

 

 

 

Abstract

Purpose of review: The present review provides an overview of insect pest species associated with packaged-food products, potential mechanisms leading to infestation of packaged products, and strategies to prevent such infestation.

Findings: There are two possible reasons that may explain the presence of insects in packaged products: (1) insects are present in the product before packaging, or (2) insects invaded the product after packaging from already existing openings or from insects creating an entry point. Control strategies include the correct identification of the species found in the packaged product, mechanical or thermal methods for eliminating infestations in raw and processed products, use of repellents or insecticides outside packages, and application of modified or controlled atmospheres inside packages.

Directions for future research: Further research is required on the above topics focusing on all stages of food manufacture and distribution for successful prevention of insect presence in packaged products.

 

Keywords: food packaging; penetrators; invaders; insect-proof packaging; food safety; pest prevention; pest cross-contamination

Abbreviations

 

*Correspondence to: Christos G Athanassiou, Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou str., Nea Ionia, 38446, Magnissia, Greece. Tel. +30-2421093195; Fax: +30-2421093195; email: athanassiou@agr.uth.gr

 

Stewart Postharvest Review 2011, 3:8

Published online 01 December 2011

doi: 10.2212/spr.2011.3.8

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

The presence of stored-product insect pests in raw and processed commodities can cause serious qualitative and quantitative losses. Several insect species are able to infest amylaceous commodities and commodities of high sugar content, such as dried fruit [1]. Apart from the infestation per se, insects cause additional damage, which may alter temperature, moisture/humidity level and microflora of the infested commodity through their metabolism and multiplication. Insects in raw commodities are easy to manage, but every effort should be made to prevent insects or insect parts in finished products. For example, the presence of live insects or insect contamination (body parts, faecal material, etc) in finished products, besides being unacceptable to unsuspecting consumers, are governed by federal food regulations, and in extreme cases, may make food unsuitable for consumption [2]. Stored-product insect pests are also vectors of several diseases that may endanger human or animal health. For example, Larson et al. [3] indicated a noticeable