Burford Corp. offers tamper-evident closure (TEC) systems that seal and perforate bags with the addition of a twist-tie for recloseability.

It’s not quite an open-and-shut case when it comes to access to food products. At a time when consumers are demanding and manufacturers are providing easy-open features for a host of items, there is concurrent interest in packaging that can’t be easily accessed by non-users.

A May 2015 “Packaging Matters” consumer study released by MeadWestvaco Corp., Richmond, Va., underscores those dual drivers. In that study, 85% of global consumers said that safe packaging makes them more likely to trust and purchase products from a brand. In addition, 74% said they like packaging attributes that keep products safe, and, at the same time, 68% want packaging that is easy to open, and 69% want packaging that is easy to reseal or reclose.

Together, food companies, retailers and manufacturers of packaging materials and equipment are working to solve the case and take the mystery of out of secure package design for food products, including bakery and snack items.

For instance, Burford Corp., Maysville, Okla., offers tamper-evident closure (TEC) systems that seal and perforate bags with the addition of a twist-tie for recloseability. Burford also has a tape closure system that helps meet the needs of companies looking for tamper-evident packaging.

Last year, Lindar Corp., Baxter, Minn., introduced a tamper-evident line of Simply Secure packaging, including hinged containers for items like cupcakes, muffins and cinnamon rolls and two-part containers for cakes and pies.

“Food safety continues to be a concern and will continue to grow,” said Dave Fosse, director of marketing, at the time of the launch. “Our product development encompasses various aspects of food safety into a unique, intuitive retail packaging,”

Sabert Corp., Sayreville, N.J., recently added a new tamper-resistant feature called SureStrip to that company’s line of square bowls, which may be used for bakery products, snacks and nuts, among other foods. A security seal is built into each lid, eliminating the need for sealing equipment, shrink bands and heat tunnels.

Another example of built-in security and tamper-evidence comes from Shelton, Conn.-based Inline Plastics Corp. That company’s Safe-T-Fresh containers include a tamper-resistant locking mechanism and patented tear-strip hinge that the consumer removes to get to the product. The line includes containers for a range of bakery products as well as newer additions like 12-oz. snack cups and sandwich containers.