Consumer complaints and accidents related to food packaging

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Abstract
This study investigated consumer complaints related to food packaging design and the occurrence of injuries associated with the opening of various types of containers. Each study participant (245) took a 15 min fact‐to‐face interview and was asked attitudinal questions about 10 different categories of packaging including cans, glass and plastic bottles and jars, and paper‐based composite packages. The subjects were also asked whether they had been injured while opening these packaging types. The survey showed that cans which needed a tool for opening were most difficult to enter. In some cases the tool was the source of injury. The respondents were also most concerned about deformation, spillage and product wastage associated with these types of containers. This included brick‐type composite packages without a peelable seal over the pour spout. A large percentage of the respondents felt that more information was needed on the various methods of opening packages in general. Glass bottles and jars were most likely to be used for storage of products after they were emptied of their original contents. The results of this study could be used by manufacturers to assist them in the design and development of packaging with a lower potential to cause accidents and injuries. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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