Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Meat & Poultry

It is crucial within the food industry to preserve and display products in the best possible way which in turn enhances shelf-life and shelf-appeal of fresh products. CO₂ within packaging ensures that the product retains its freshness as long as possible: a consumer and business-friendly solution known as simply as MAP, or Modified Atmosphere Packaging.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Meat and Poultry explained…

CO₂ within Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) can be used either singularly or combined with nitrogen and oxygen – the process modifies the composition of the air within the package. CO₂-only MAP ensures that bacterial and fungal growth is inhibited because there is no oxygen to allow the respiration of the products. In combined gas MAP, CO₂ is necessary as well as oxygen (below 12% typically to prevent respiration) and nitrogen (either as a filler gas or to prevent rancidity that oxygen can sometimes induce).

The atmospheric air inside modified atmosphere packaging is replaced within the package with a “protective gas” mix. The theory is that, once the gas is within the package, it will extend the shelf life of products dramatically. This has major financial effects later on down the line, meaning that less food is likely to be wasted. Modified atmosphere packaging is mainly used for fresh meat and poultry, seafood, cheeses, fruit and veg and foods such as fresh pasta.

The important thing to remember with modified atmosphere packaging is that it retains the high quality of the food to the end customer. IGC’s CO₂ pressure vessel systems are ideal for the meat and poultry sector when used to help with:

• Modified atmosphere packaging for pork.
• Modified atmosphere packaging for chicken.
• Modified atmosphere packaging for red meat.

Advantages of CO₂ in MAP:

• More cost-effective than other methods
• Reduced chance of oxidation
• Better quality products – i.e. texture, freshness, smell
• Lower risk of bacterial growth
• Better shelf life

Our Comprehensive Service Guide:

• Sales centre of pressure vessels – outright purchase or rental
• Vessel capacities from 120 Lt. up to 250 Tones
• New and reconditioned pressure vessels
• Re-insulation of  vessels and pipe work
• Refurbishment of your own existing vessel
• Engineering and servicing undertaken
• Mixed Gas filling
• Refrigeration design & super cooling systems
• Contractual advice and negotiations
• Contract crane hire
• Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (from HSE)
• CO₂ extraction
• Method statements, risk assessments and insurance-approved written schemes