The application of IMF technology has been very successful in preserving fruits and vegetables without refrigeration in most Latin American countries. For instance, the addition of high amounts of sugar to fruits during processing will create a protective layer against microbial contamination after the heat process. The sugar acts as a water activity depressor limiting the capability of bacteria to grow in food. As described in Figure 3.1, IMF foods are those with aw in the range of 0.65 to 0.90 and moisture content between 15% and 40%. Food products formulated under this concept are stable at room temperature without thermal processing and can be generally eaten without rehydration. Some processed fruits and vegetables are considered IMF foods. These include cabbage, carrots, horseradish, potatoes, strawberries, etc.; their water activities at 30°C follow:
Foods aw
Cabbage 0.64
0.75
Carrots 0.64
0.75
Horseradish 0.75
Potatoes 0.75
0.64
Strawberries 0.65
0.75
Under these conditions, bacterial growth is inhibited but some moulds and yeast may grow at aw greater than 0.70. In addition, chemical preservatives are generally used to inhibit the growth of moulds and yeasts in fruits and vegetables.