Step 1: Understanding the packaging technologies.
- Aseptic packaging (P) involves the independent sterilization of both the food and its packaging under sterile conditions, ensuring no microbial growth. This matches description (3).
- Active packaging (Q) makes a non-passive contribution to product development, such as the release or absorption of substances like antioxidants or oxygen, matching description (4).
- Modified atmosphere packaging (R) controls the concentrations of O2 and CO2 inside the package to extend the shelf life of food, which corresponds to description (1).
- Vacuum packaging (S) creates a skin-tight package wall by removing air, thus preserving the product, which matches description (2).
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Correct, as it correctly matches each packaging technology with its corresponding description.
- (B), (C), and (D) are incorrect because they mismatch the technologies and descriptions.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is (A) P-(3), Q-(4), R-(1), S-(2).