Role of Modified Atmospheric Packaging in Fresh Food Preservation and Waste Reduction | Chapter 8 | Engineering Research: Perspectives on Recent Advances Vol. 11

 

Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) has emerged as an important technology in food preservation and is a vital answer to food waste, which accounts for approximately 30–40% of total global food production. MAP significantly extends the shelf life of fresh foods by inhibiting microbial growth and oxidative deterioration through the alteration of gas compositions in packaging.

 

MAP uses plastic films with specific gas permeability to manage internal atmospheres. The type of polymer and film thickness are key factors influencing this permeability. Because respiration rates vary between different produce items, films must be selected based on the specific requirements of each fruit (eg, Mango, apple, pears) or vegetable (Broccoli, carrot, cut vegetables) to create an effective modified atmosphere. Using protective gases in polymer film packaging helps extend the shelf life of food products by reducing the growth of common bacteria and microorganisms that affect quality and safety. This article outlines the key benefits of applying such gases and provides examples of specific gases or gas mixtures that can be tailored to various types of food.

 

 

Author(s) Details

G. Amuthaselvi
Department of Food Process Engineering AEC & RI, TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/erpra/v11/6401