Bloated Pouches of Multinutrient
Hi all, after some guidance about what to do with a problematic product. This may not be the correct forum, but I was unsure where to put it! We have a multinutrient capsule (it's a vegetable cellulose capsule, packed into a compostable pouch), ambient packing, no gas packing - the pouch is opened and filled by hand. We do know that some of the ingredients are hygoroscopic, and added a clay desicant to stop any moisture build up within the pouch which seemed to work. The most recent production run has now started bloating (it's approx. 2/3rds of the run, so not all of it). We have analysed the product to find no micro growth, but high levels of CO2 present. This has led us to think it may be a chemical reaction between two of the ingredients (one is quite acidic). We're contacting suppliers of packaging to check for migration/moisture ingress tests of the packaging, but I'm a bit lost as to how to come to the root cause of this problem. This is contract manufactured off site, so I am also talking to the manufacturers for humidity controls etc. Can anyone give me any advice? Happy to give more information if required!
My guess is it's the fill method and no gas flush
Given that the HPMC capsules are generally regarding as inert, its likely the contents of the capsules that are the issue
Also ask what kind of leaker checks they are performing? Assuming these are 2 part capsules? If so, they are actually quite tricky to get a good, full seal on the joint.
My guess it the leaker count is going up as the batch proceeds, and what you are seeing is the thickening of the material used to join the two pieces as it does start to get thick and gloopy (for lack of a better term) over the course of a batch
No micro growth.. what about yeasts and molds?
Thanks - I have asked for further information for our manufacturers for the leaker checks - they are two part capsules, no material is used to join the 2 parts togetgher, it is a click seal.
My guess is it's the fill method and no gas flush
Given that the HPMC capsules are generally regarding as inert, its likely the contents of the capsules that are the issue
Also ask what kind of leaker checks they are performing? Assuming these are 2 part capsules? If so, they are actually quite tricky to get a good, full seal on the joint.
My guess it the leaker count is going up as the batch proceeds, and what you are seeing is the thickening of the material used to join the two pieces as it does start to get thick and gloopy (for lack of a better term) over the course of a batch
All micro results clear, including yeasts and moulds.
We suspect a chemical reaction between ingredients causing a gas to form, what we don't understand is why it's not happening to every bag.
No micro growth.. what about yeasts and molds?