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A fresh pizza, for example, left out in the open air at +40 to +45 °F, spoils in about a week. High quality can be extended by several weeks by packaging the product in a MAPAX® atmosphere with a low oxygen concentration and a high carbon dioxide level. In the case of pizza, the concentration of oxygen should be less than 1%. The relationship between carbon dioxide and nitrogen in prepared food packages mainly depends on the moisture content of the product, but also on the composition of the food. This determines the speed of microbial growth, oxidation and enzymatic activity. A higher water activity means a higher carbon dioxide concentration in the package.
Each product in the prepared foods area represents a complex problem, particularly difficult are such varying combinations as sandwiches, filled pasta, salads, pizza and spring rolls. Since several different ingredients, each with its own special inherent properties, make up the product, in-depth know-how is required to find the right gas mixture that will best inhibit deterioration and maintain quality. Modified atmosphere packaging is an important safety measure since prepared foods can spoil very fast in the wrong environment.
Product | Pizza | French fries |
MAPAX Gas mixture | 30-60% CO2 and
40-70% N2 | 70-80% CO2 and
20-30% N2 |
Gas volume per Product weight | 50-100 ml per 100 g prod. | 50-100 ml per 100 g prod. |
Typical shelf life | 1-2 days in air
2-5 weeks with MAP | 3-4 days in air
1-3 weeks with MAP |
Typical material* | OPET/PVdc/PE-PVC/PE
OPA/PE | OPET/PVdc/PE-PVC/PE |
Typical machine | Deep-draw machine
Horizontal flow-pack | Deep-draw machine |
Storage temp. | +40 to +45 oF | +40 to +45 oF |
Product | Salads with sauce | Cooked minced meat prod. |
MAPAX Gas mixture | 100% N2 | 20% CO2 and
80% N2 |
Gas volume per Product weight | 50-100 ml per 100 g prod. | 50-100 ml per 100 g prod. |
Typical shelf life | 1-2 weeks in air
2-3 weeks with MAP | 1-2 weeks in air
4-5 weeks with MAP |
Typical material* | OPET/PVdc/PE-PVC/PE | OPET/PVdc/PE-PVC/PE
OPA/PE |
Typical machine | Deep-draw machine | Deep-draw machine
Flow-pack |
Storage temp. | +40 to +45 oF | +40 to +45 oF |
*PVC is being replaced by APET or PS/EVOH, PVdC is being replaced by EVOH or OPA. |
