Food packaging: a consideration for procurement.

Abstract

Food packaging information can benefit those involved with procurement of food products; however, available information is limited. A mail survey of 271 hospital administrative dietitians and 29 foodservice directors was conducted to investigate their perceptions and knowledge of food packaging functions, packaging information, and packaging materials and forms. Data from the 60 usable mail surveys indicate most participants perceived food packaging information as being beneficial for making purchasing decisions and that packaging has several important functions. However, participants appeared to possess limited knowledge about packaging materials and forms. Respondents were most knowledgeable about traditional packaging forms and materials vs. those developed more recently. Food packaging information should be made available to administrative foodservice personnel through publications and seminars or conferences.