Fruits include a diverse group of plant foods that differ greatly in their energy and nutrients content, and form an important component of the human diet. They are excellent sources of nutrients, specifically essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and complex carbohydrate and also add variety to the diet all of which are needed to support a healthy body and mind (Slavin and Lloyd 2012). According to the World Health Report (2002), low fruits and vegetable intake is estimated to cause about 31% of ischemic heart disease and 11% stroke worldwide. Overall it is estimated that up to 2.7 million lives could potentially be saved each year if the consumption of fruits and vegetables increases. Therefore, recommendations for a balanced diet must include the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables to minimize these diseases and live a healthy life. According to Slavin and Lloyd (2012), the intake of fiber supplied by fruits and vegetables is linked or associated to lower incidences or cases of obesity and cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and some cancers. Additionally, fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. They are the main dietary source of vitamin C and a significant source of pro-vitamin A and vitamin B6. According to Sapers (2006), fresh fruits and …show more content…
After, the fruits are peeled and divided using a cutter or slicer or even by the hands depending on the type of fruit which is being processed. The cut-fruits are then packaged. In the selection of a packaging material, the permeability of the material to gases and vapour must be considered as well as the surface area of the sealed package and free volume inside the package.(Jennylynd and Tipvanna 2010) Polyethylenes (PE), polypropylene (PP), blends of PE and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) are films that are economically accessible for the packaging of