Overview
When food is packed in normal air, oxygen and microorganisms can cause oxidation, alter product quality and shorten shelf life. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) replaces the air inside the package with a suitable gas or gas mixture to limit these effects.
The solution helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and mould, maintain product appearance and quality, and extend shelf life. Compared with vacuum packaging, products are also less likely to be compressed or deformed. The gas composition is selected according to the type of food and packaging requirements.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging Applications
01.Bakery Products, Coffee, Spices and Herbs
Modified atmosphere packaging is used for bakery products, coffee, spices and herbs to limit the effects of oxygen and moisture while helping to maintain flavour, aroma and product quality during storage.
Packaging can be carried out manually or automatically depending on the product, packaging material and production scale.
02.Dairy Products and Prepared Foods
For dairy products and prepared foods, the atmosphere inside the package is adjusted to limit oxidation and microbial growth.
An appropriate solution helps maintain product quality and appearance and extend shelf life during storage and distribution.
03.Meat, Poultry and Seafood
Meat, poultry and seafood are sensitive to microorganisms, oxygen and external environmental conditions. Packaging in a suitable atmosphere helps protect the product and extend shelf life.
The gas mixture is selected according to the type of raw material, degree of processing, colour and quality requirements, and storage conditions of the respective product.
04.Vegetables and Fruit
Vegetables and fruit continue to respire after harvest. The atmosphere inside the package therefore needs to be controlled according to the respiration rate and characteristics of the respective product.
MAP or EMAP technology can be used to slow changes, maintain quality and extend the storage life of fresh produce.