Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is widely used in the food industry to extend shelf life and preserve the quality of food products. This technology involves packaging food in materials that restrict gas exchange, creating a modified atmosphere inside the package. By altering the gas composition, MAP inhibits the growth of spoilage agents, thus maintaining the best possible quality of the food.
Industrial Gases in MAP Technology
The gases used in MAP typically include a mixture of CO₂, N₂, and O₂.
- CO₂ inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold. A higher concentration of CO₂ can extend the shelf life of food, but it can also be absorbed by fats and moisture in the food, which may cause changes in flavor and moisture loss. Therefore, the CO₂ concentration needs careful consideration. A CO₂ level of at least 20% is required to effectively control bacterial growth, so it is essential to balance the ratios of gases for optimal use.
- N₂ is an inert gas that helps reduce the amount of O₂, thus limiting the oxidation process that can degrade food quality.
- O₂ is necessary for the respiration of fruits and vegetables and prevents discoloration of foods like meat.
To achieve the most effective preservation with MAP, it’s crucial to determine the optimal gas concentrations for each type of product. The combination of CO₂, N₂, and O₂ can increase the shelf life of food by 1.5 to 3 times compared to traditional packaging methods.
This approach offers a significant advantage in food storage, providing longer-lasting freshness and quality.
VI NA Industrial Gases is a leading supplier of specilty gases for Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). Depending on the physical and chemical properties of the food, the product may be packaged with an individual gas or a gas mixture to optimize preservation.
See the gases used for MAP
VI NA Industrial Gases distributes premium products from Air Products, including:
- Ultra-high purity gases with purity levels of 99.9992%, 99.9995%, 99.9999%, and 99.99998%.
- Complex gas mixtures containing over 30 components with concentrations as low as parts per billion (ppb).
Our specialty gases offer long shelf life, exceptional stability, and precise calibration to meet the strictest market demands, particularly in laboratory analysis and experimentation.
Contact VI NA Industrial Gases for expert consultation on industrial and specialty gases, contact VI NA Industrial Gases today! We are ready to meet all your gas-related needs with tailored solutions and world-class products.