1、 MIL-PRF-44073G 11 September 2009INCH-POUND SUPERSEDING MIL-PRF-44073F 4 September 2001 PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION PACKAGING OF FOOD IN FLEXIBLE POUCHES This specification is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of Defense. 1. SCOPE 1.1 Scope. This specification covers t
2、he performance criteria for packaging materials and the packaging of food in flexible pouches to include the filling and hermetic sealing of the pouches and, when applicable, the packaging of the pouches into cartons. 1.2 Classification. Pouches are of the following types, styles and designs, as spe
3、cified (see 6.2). 1.2.1 Types. Type I Single Serving Pouch (SSP) Type II Institutional Size Pouch (ISP) Comments, suggestions, or questions on this document should be addressed to US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, RDNS
4、-CFF, 15 Kansas St., Natick, MA 01760-5018 or emailed to ray.valvanous.army.mil. Since contact information can change, you may want to verify the currency of this address information using the ASSIST Online database at http:/assist.daps.dla.mil/. AMSC N/A FSC 89GP DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved
5、for public release; distribution is unlimited. Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-MIL-PRF-44073G 21.2.2 Styles. Style 1 Rectangular pouch (figures 1 and 1A) Style 2 Shaped pouch with side spout (figure 4) Style 3 Shaped pouch with center
6、 spout (figure 5) 1.2.3 Designs. Design A Horizontal directional tear 2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS 2.1 General. The documents listed in this section are specified in sections 3, 4 or 5 of this specification. This section does not include documents cited in other sections of this specification or recommen
7、ded for additional information or as examples. While every effort has been made to ensure the completeness of this list, document users are cautioned that they must meet all specified requirements of documents cited in sections 3, 4 or 5 of this specification, whether or not they are listed. 2.2 Gov
8、ernment documents. 2.2.1 Specifications, standards, and handbooks. None. 2.2.2 Other government documents, drawings and publications. The following other Government documents, drawings, and publications form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issu
9、es of these documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and regulations (21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 170-199) (Copies of this document are available from www.access.gpo.gov/nara or Superin
10、tendent of Documents, ATTN: New Orders, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954.) 2.3 Non-Government publications. The following documents, drawings, and publications form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those c
11、ited in the solicitation or contract. AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM) Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-MIL-PRF-44073G 3D 999 Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers D 1974 Standard Practice for Methods of
12、 Closing, Sealing, and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes D 3985 Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Coulometric Sensor D 4727/D 4727M Standard Specification for Corrugated and Solid Fiberboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut Shapes D 5118/D 5118M Standard Practice
13、 for Fabrication of Fiberboard Shipping Boxes D 5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall F 372 Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission of Flexible Barrier Materials Using an Infrared Detection Technique (Copies of these documents are available at www.astm.org or fro
14、m ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959) 2.4 Order of precedence. In the event of a conflict between the text of this document and the references cited herein, the text of this document takes precedence. Nothing in this document, however, supersedes
15、 applicable laws and regulations unless a specific exemption has been obtained. 3. REQUIREMENTS 3.1 Performance characteristics. 3.1.1 Pouch material. The pouch material shall be capable of being fabricated into pouches. The material used for the pouch shall be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) fo
16、r use with food in accordance with 21 CFR, Parts 170-199 or other standards and regulations. Recycled, recovered, or environmentally preferable materials should be used to the maximum extent possible, provided that the material meets or exceed the operational and maintenance requirement, and promote
17、s economically advantageous life cycle costs. 3.1.1.1 Oxygen transmission rate. The oxygen transmission rate (O2TR) of the material shall not exceed 0.06 cc/m2/24 hrs/atm. Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-MIL-PRF-44073G 43.1.1.2 Water
18、vapor transmission rate. The water vapor transmission Rate (WVTR) of the material shall not exceed 0.01 gm/m2/24 hrs. 3.1.1.3 Thermal processing. The pouches shall be capable of withstanding the process specified in the applicable food document. If the material used is a multi-layered laminate, it s
19、hall show no evidence of delamination after thermal processing. 3.1.2 Pouch configurations and dimensions. Pouch configurations and dimensions for 5 and 8 ounce Single Serving Pouch (SSP) pouches shall be as specified in figures 1, 1A, 2A, 4, 5 or 6, as applicable (see 6.2). Pouch configuration and
20、dimensions for the Institutional Size Pouch (ISP) shall be as specified in figure 3 (see 6.2). Commercial pouches packaging material, construction, and graphics (colors, design and labeling) shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer for review and approval and to US Army Research, Development an
21、d Engineering Command, Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, RDNS-CFF for review and recommendation. 3.1.2.1 Directional tear. The pouch material shall be modified (in one or more layers) to provide a straight tear along the lengthwise axis of the pouch. 3.1.3 Pouch filling. 3
22、.1.3.1 Eight ounce pouch. Products requiring an average net weight of 8 ounces or less but more than 5 ounces shall be filled into an 8 ounce size pouch. Placeable products may be filled into an 8 ounce pouch. 3.1.3.2 Five ounce pouch. Products requiring an average net weight of 5 ounces or less sha
23、ll be filled into a 5 ounce size pouch. 3.1.3.3 Institutional size pouch. Products requiring an average net weight ranging from 48 to 104 ounces shall be filled into an ISP. 3.1.4 Filled, sealed and thermoprocessed pouch. 3.1.4.1 Closure seal. The closure seal width shall be a minimum 2.5 mm. The cl
24、osure seal shall be free of impression or design on the seal surface that would conceal or impair visual detection of seal defects. The closure seal shall be free of wrinkles, occluded matter, or evidence of entrapped moisture or grease that reduces the closure seal width to less than 1/16 inch at a
25、ny location along its continuous path. 3.1.4.2 Residual gas volume. Residual gas volume in filled and sealed SSP pouches shall not exceed 20 cubic centimeters (cc), except pouches with five ounces of fruit shall not exceed 10 cc. Residual gas volume in the filled and sealed ISPs shall not exceed 250
26、 cc. Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-MIL-PRF-44073G 53.1.4.3 Internal pressure. The pouches shall be filled and hermetically sealed such that after thermal processing, the pouches shall withstand the applicable pressure for 30 seconds
27、. 3.1.4.4 Camouflage. The color of outside surfaces of the SSP pouch, after thermal processing, shall contribute to field camouflage. For ISP, commercial pouches are acceptable. 3.1.4.5 Pouch defects. Filled, sealed and thermally processed pouches shall be free of damage (such as, but not limited to
28、, tears, cuts, holes, or if a multi-layer laminate is used, abrasions through one or more layers in the pouch material, or leakage through any seal). 3.2 Environmental conditions. 3.2.1 Low temperature (Type I). After thermal processing, the filled and sealed SSP pouch shall withstand pouch abuse at
29、 28F with a survival rate of 75 percent. 3.2.2 High temperature (Type I). After thermal processing, the filled and sealed SSP pouch shall withstand pouch abuse at 160F with a survival rate of 100 percent. 3.2.3 Standard temperature (Type II). After thermal processing, the filled and sealed ISP shall
30、 withstand pouch abuse at 72F with a survival rate of 100 percent. 3.2.4 Frozen temperature (Type II). After thermal processing, the filled and sealed ISP shall withstand pouch abuse at -20F with a survival rate of 75 percent. 3.3 Carton design. Cartons, when specified in the applicable food product
31、 document, shall meet the following criteria. 3.3.1 Carton design for 8 ounce size pouches (Type I). The SSP carton, when closed and sealed, shall completely enclose the pouch to prevent physical damage and entry of foreign matter. 3.3.2 Carton design for 5 ounce size pouches (Type I, Style 1). The
32、SSP carton, when closed and sealed, shall completely enclose pouch to prevent physical damage and entry of foreign matter. Not applicable for Type I, Styles 2 or 3 pouches. 3.3.3 Carton color. The color of all carton surfaces shall be natural kraft, tan or dull gray. 3.3.4 Carton dimensions (Type I)
33、. The inside length and width dimensions of the SSP carton shall be equal to the outside length and width dimensions of the pouch. The carton depth shall be 5/8 inch (+ 1/16 inch). 3.3.5 Carton design (Type II). The ISP carton, when closed and sealed, shall enclose pouch to prevent physical damage.
34、The carton may have open or closed ends. Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-MIL-PRF-44073G 63.3.6 Carton dimensions (Type II). The outside length, width and height of the ISP carton shall not exceed 12-13/16 by 10-3/4 by 2-1/8 inches. 3.
35、4 Packaging of pouches in cartons. 3.4.1 Pouch in carton (Type I). Each SSP carton shall contain one flat, fully extended pouch. 3.4.2 Carton closure (Type I). Each SSP carton shall be securely closed. The closure shall have a bond strength greater than the fiber tear of the paperboard. 3.4.3 Pouch
36、in carton (Type II). Each ISP carton shall contain one pouch. One end of ISP may be folded to accommodate fitting the pouch into the carton. 3.4.4 Carton closure (Type II). The top and bottom faces of the carton shall be compressed and the ends taped. The closure shall have a bond strength greater t
37、han the fiber tear of the fiberboard. 3.5 Carton label (Type II). The following instructions shall be correctly and legibly labeled on the ISP carton. Type size of the label shall be no smaller than shown below (printed on 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper), but can be larger. ATTENTION! PROTECTIVE CARTON-DO N
38、OT THROW AWAY SAVE AND RE-USE TO PROTECT POUCH FROM DAMAGE To Avoid Damaging Pouch: 1. Keep Pouch in Carton Until Ready to Heat, Then Remove. 2. Insert Pouch Back Into Carton After Heating. 3. Always Use Cartons When Transporting Pouches in Insulated Food Containers. 4. If Cartons Are Unavailable, S
39、tack Pouches With Fiberboard Pads Between Pouches. In addition, the product name shall be correctly and legibly labeled on the carton. Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-MIL-PRF-44073G 74. VERIFICATION 4.1 Conformance inspection. Conform
40、ance inspection shall include the examinations and tests in this section, as defined in the contract, performed on specified samples (see 6.2). 4.2 Performance characteristics testing. The pouch material, pouch and carton shall be tested for the performance characteristics listed in table I. TABLE I
41、. Verification methods. Characteristic 1/ Requirement Verification Oxygen transmission rate 3.1.1.1 4.5.1 Water vapor transmission rate 3.1.1.2 4.5.2 Thermal processing 3.1.1.3 4.5.3 Pouch configurations and dimensions 3.1.2 Figures Directional tear 3.1.2.1 4.5.4 Residual gas volume 3.1.4.2 4.5.5 In
42、ternal pressure 3.1.4.3 4.5.6 Camouflage (Type I), as applicable 3.1.4.4 4.5.7 Low temperature (Type I) 3.2.1 4.5.8.1 High temperature (Type I) 3.2.2 4.5.8.2 Standard temperature (Type II) 3.2.3 4.5.8.3 Frozen temperature (Type II) 3.2.4 4.5.8.4 1/ Compliance to the requirements for O2TR, WVTR, pouc
43、h configurations and dimensions, thermal processing, environmental conditions and camouflage may be verified by Certificate of Conformance (CoC). 4.3 Examination of pouch. After thermal processing, the pouches shall be visually examined for compliance. Defects and defect classifications are listed i
44、n table II. TABLE II. Filled, sealed and thermally processed pouch defects. Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-MIL-PRF-44073G 8Category Defect Critical Major A Major B Minor 1 Swollen pouch. 2 Tear, cut, hole, or if a multi-layered lamin
45、ate is used, abrasion through one or more layers in the pouch material or leakage through any seal. 3 Foldover wrinkle extending into the seal such that the closure seal is reduced to less than 1/16 inch. 4 Presence of entrapped matter (for example, product, moisture, grease, etc.) that reduces the
46、closure seal to less than 1/16 inch. 5 Presence of delamination when a multi-layered laminate is used. 1/ 6 Closure seal less than 1/16 inch at any location along its continuous path. 101 Unclean pouch. 2/ 102 Any impression or design on the seal surfaces which conceals or impairs visual detection o
47、f seadefects. 3/ 103 Less than 3/16 inch between inside edge of tear notch and inside edge of seal. 104 Closure seal not located as specified. TABLE II. Filled, sealed and thermal processed pouch defects (continued) Category Defect Critical Major A Major B Minor 105 Labeling missing or incorrect or
48、illegible. 151 Presence of delamination when a multi-layered laminate is used. 1/ Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-MIL-PRF-44073G 9152 Closure seal width less than 2.5 mm but greater than 1/16 inch. 201 Presence of delamination when a multi-layered laminate is used. 1/ 202 Tear notches missing or not as specified. 203 Tear notches not located as specified. 204 Depth of tear notches not as specified. 205 Color of SSP does not contribute to field camouflage, when applicable. 206 Foreign odor. 1/ Delamination defect cl
