Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on preserving various types of fresh produce

Abstract

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is an effective preservation method for extending the shelf‐life of various foods. This study was conducted to investigate the applicability of MAP for improving the food quality and safety of various fresh produce during refrigeration storage. Thirteen kinds of fresh produce were washed with 100 ppm chlorine and then packaged in three different types of packaging film using two different methods (air and 100% CO2 gas). Changes of the headspace gas composition, visual quality, microbial populations, and electrolyte leakage of the packaged samples were measured during storage at 4 ± 2 °C. MAP using CO2 gas resulted in lower levels of total mesophilic bacteria, Escherichia coli/coliform, and yeast/mold in the fresh produce compared than the air packaging. In particular, MAP using CO2 gas was effective at maintaining low levels of yeast and mold on grapes, soybean sprouts, and lotus roots during storage (p ≤ .05). However, the visual quality of some of the fresh produce (e.g., green vegetables) during storage was affected by MAP. Higher levels of electrolyte leakage were observed in fresh produce packaged under CO2 gas than that under air, except for grapes and lotus roots. Practical applications These results suggest that although MAP may be useful for improving the shelf‐life of some root vegetables and fruits during storage, its application would be limited for certain types of fresh produce because of quality deterioration. The result of this study could be used for developing the effective preservation method for fresh produce.

Use of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐based films for equilibrium‐modified atmosphere packaging to extend the postharvest shelf life of garland chrysanthemum

“…Maintenance and adjustment of atmospheric composition are pivotal for fresh produce quality (Hyun & Lee, ). Equilibrium‐modified atmospheres developed inside the packaging films, reflecting the gas permeability of the packaging materials and respiratory activity of the garland chrysanthemums.…”

Novel packaging systems in grape storage—A review

“…CO 2 preserved grapes showed lower levels of mesophilic bacteria, Escherichia coli/coliform, and yeast/mold compared to the normal atmosphere packed grapes (Hyun & Sun-young, 2018).…”

“…MAP using CO 2 of 100% was used in the cold preservation of grapes at 4 ± 2°C together with different types of packaging films. CO 2 preserved grapes showed lower levels of mesophilic bacteria, Escherichia coli/coliform , and yeast/mold compared to the normal atmosphere packed grapes (Hyun & Sun‐young, ).…”

“…Greener stems, lower berry drop lower decay was noted with the mentioned initial hermetic seal (Chen, Zhang, & Wang, 2011 Different material sealed bags Air or pure CO 2 CO 2 showed lower levels of total mesophilic bacteria, Escherichia coli/coliform, and yeast/mold (Hyun & Sun-young, 2018) polyethylene film or microperforated polyethylene low (70%) or high (>95%) relative humidity (RH)…”

Emerging Concepts and Practices in Post-Harvest Management of Horticultural Crops Revisited

“…MAP is a promising technology that modifies the environment inside the package based on the interaction between the rate of product respiration and the gas transfer through the package [67]. When packaging technology is adjusted to the rate of respiration of the product, an equilibrium modified atmosphere (EMA) can be created in the container, resulting in a reduction in the rate of respiration and metabolic processes, as well as an improvement in product shelf life [68].…”