Why is air removed from a boil-in-bag meal before freezing?

For boil-in-bag meals, air is evacuated from the laminated film bag after the food is placed inside to help control the immediate environment of the product.1

By removing air, manufacturers minimize the presence of oxygen, which helps protect the food from oxidation reactions that can degrade quality. Furthermore, eliminating excess air ensures that the packaging is tightly wrapped around the contents, which is a critical step in preventing surface dehydration—often referred to as freezer burn—during storage. This process helps maintain the overall quality and shelf life of the frozen meal by creating a controlled, protective barrier.23