Step 1: Concept
Active packaging refers to packaging materials that interact with the internal environment of a package to extend the shelf life of food products. This interaction can involve the release or absorption of gases, moisture, or other substances to create an optimal storage condition for the food.
Step 2: Meaning
Shelf life extension in packaged foods is achieved through active packaging by modifying the microenvironment within the package to inhibit spoilage mechanisms such as oxidation and microbial growth.
Step 3: Analysis
Assertion (A) states that active packaging extends the shelf life of packaged foods by interacting with the internal packaging environment. This assertion is correct because active packaging indeed aims at creating a more favorable storage condition for food products.
Reason (R) explains that active packaging systems incorporate scavengers or releasers such as O2 absorbers or preservative releasers to actively modify the conditions around the food, thereby inhibiting spoilage mechanisms. This reason also accurately describes how active packaging works.
Given these explanations, Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A). Therefore, both statements are correct and Reason (R) is indeed the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
Step 4: Conclusion
Both assertions A and R are correct, and R provides a valid explanation for A.
Final Answer: (A)