3.2.2 Advantages and disadvantages of IMF preservation
Advantages:
Intermediate moisture foods have an aw range of 0.65-0.90, and thus water activity is their primary hurdle to achieving microbial stability and safety. IMF foods are easy to prepare and store without refrigeration. They are energy efficient and relatively cheap. They are not readily subject to spoilage, even if packages have been damaged prior to opening, as with thermostabilized foods, because of low aw. This is a plus for many developing countries, especially those in tropical climates with inadequate infrastructure for processing and storage, and offers marketing advantages for consumers all over the world.
Disadvantages:
Some IMF foods contain high levels of additives (i.e., nitrites sulphites, humectants, etc.) that may cause health concerns and possible legal problems. High sugar content is also a concern because of the high calorific intake. Therefore, efforts are been made to improve the quality of such foods by decreasing sugar and salt addition, as well as by increasing the moisture content and aw, but without sacrificing the microbial stability and safety of products if stored without refrigeration. This may be achieved by an intelligent application of hurdles (Leistner, 1994).
Fruit products from intermediate moisture foods (IMF) appear to have potential markets. However, application of this technology to produce stable products at ambient temperature is limited by the high concentration of solutes required to reduce water activities to safe levels. This usually affects the sensory properties of the food.