Controlled atmosphere maintains the quality of certain fresh produce in mixed cargo shipments

Abstract

Shipping containers are used globally for the domestic distribution and export of several products. In this study, we compared the efficacy of controlled atmosphere (CA) containers to reefer containers based on the quality of 41 fresh fruits and vegetables exported from Japan to Singapore. We used instrumental analysis and sensory evaluation to compare the quality of fruits and vegetables transported in these two container types. Thirteen types of produce showed higher quality in the CA container than in the reefer container. Two types of fruits deteriorated in flavor due to abnormal maturation under CA conditions. Six types of produce showed higher quality in the reefer containers than in the CA containers. The CA containers were particularly effective in improving the quality of leafy vegetables, root vegetables, and fresh legumes; thus, CA containers are excellent for exporting these types of produce. Practical applications:The export of fresh fruits and vegetables by CA containers is expanding year after year, but their operation is difficult because the optimal storage environment for fruits and vegetables varies from item to item. This study showed the effectiveness of CA containers in improving the quality of leafy vegetables, root vegetables, and fresh legumes during their export from Japan to Singapore. These findings would contribute to the expansion of exports using CA containers in the future.

Fuzzy Bayesian network analysis of the factors causing food losses in reefer containers

“…The studies in the first group are within the scope of IoT (Haass et al, 2015; Ikegaya et al, 2023; Jedermann et al, 2013; Lütjen et al, 2013; Mees et al, 2018) and RFID (Bollen et al, 2015; Ji & Han, 2012; Tatiana Jiménez‐Ariza et al, 2015). In this respect, studies have been conducted based on designing smart containers that will enable them to have the ability to monitor and control container information remotely over the internet or on the ship's computer.…”

CuO/TiO2/MXene-Based Sensor and SMS-TENG Array Integrated Inspection Robots for Self-Powered Ethanol Detection and Alarm at Room Temperature

“…In recent years, with the rapid development of technology and the economy, people have gradually changed from eating enough to eating well . The nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables have become an essential part of modern people’s diet, , while the storage and preservation of fruits and vegetables have also become a popular research topic. , Recent surveys showed that each year, a large number of fruits and vegetables decay due to improper storage, , resulting in huge economic losses. , After harvesting, fruits and vegetables are subjected to anaerobic respiration inside the tissues in a high CO 2 , low O 2 gas environment, low temperature, or long-term storage process, which in turn produces the metabolite ethanol. , However, excessive accumulation of ethanol can lead to off-flavors, accelerated aging, deterioration in quality, and a significant reduction in storability . Moreover, trace amounts of alcohol fermentation are carried out in pickled fruit and vegetable products, and it is important to be aware of the alcohol content in them when studying the problem of vegetable pickling .…”

“…1 The nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables have become an essential part of modern people's diet, 2,3 while the storage and preservation of fruits and vegetables have also become a popular research topic. 4,5 Recent surveys showed that each year, a large number of fruits and vegetables decay due to improper storage, 6,7 resulting in huge economic losses. 8,9 After harvesting, fruits and vegetables are subjected to anaerobic respiration inside the tissues in a high CO 2 , low O 2 gas environment, low temperature, or longterm storage process, which in turn produces the metabolite ethanol.…”