Canning and Fish Packaging Technology

Unit 3 - Unit operations in canning

3.2.2.4.1.1.Importance of maintaining the desired head space

• Less than desired head space indicates over packing and results in all the problems of over packing.
• Head space accommodates hydrogen gas to a great extent and minimises chances of bulging.
• No head space means obstruction to heat penetration especially in convection heating packs and lead to process failure.
• Too much head space - leads to loss of consumer confidence.
• More head space heads to more Oxygen in the can and leads to oxidative changes in the product.
• Non uniform head spaces in the cans leads to non uniform vacuum inside cans.