{"id":1925,"date":"2020-04-29T11:43:53","date_gmt":"2020-04-29T15:43:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jschaeffer.us\/sandbox\/airgasthinks\/?p=1925"},"modified":"2022-06-06T18:08:17","modified_gmt":"2022-06-06T22:08:17","slug":"keeping-freshness-in-the-mix-with-modified-atmosphere-packaging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/jschaeffer.us\/sandbox\/airgasthinks\/keeping-freshness-in-the-mix-with-modified-atmosphere-packaging\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeping Freshness in the Mix with Modified Atmosphere Packaging"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"m-entry__feedback\"><div class=\"m-feedback-prompt\">\n\t\t  <h4 class=\"m-feedback-prompt__header\">Was this article helpful?<\/h4>\n\t\t  <a href=\"#\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__social m-feedback-prompt__social_thumbsup yes\" data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:yes\">\n\t\t    <i class=\"fa fa-thumbs-up\">&nbsp;<\/i>\n\t\t  <\/a>\n\t\t  <a href=\"#\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt_form no\" data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:no\">\n\t\t    <i class=\"fa fa-thumbs-down\">&nbsp;<\/i>\n\t\t  <\/a><br>\n\t\t  <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__display m-feedback-prompt__social yes\">\n\t\t    <p class=\"m-feedback-prompt__text\">Awesome, share it:<\/p>\n\t\t    <a class=\"m-feedback-prompt__social--button p-button-social has-icon facebook fa fa-facebook\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=http:\/\/jschaeffer.us\/sandbox\/airgasthinks\/keeping-freshness-in-the-mix-with-modified-atmosphere-packaging\/\" onclick=\"javascript:window.open(this.href,\n  '', 'menubar=no,toolbar=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,height=600,width=600');return false;\">\n\t\t      <span class=\"p-button-social__social-text\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t    <\/a>\n\t\t    <a class=\"m-feedback-prompt__social--button p-button-social has-icon twitter fa fa-twitter\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=http:\/\/jschaeffer.us\/sandbox\/airgasthinks\/keeping-freshness-in-the-mix-with-modified-atmosphere-packaging\/&text=Keeping Freshness in the Mix with Modified Atmosphere Packaging\" onclick=\"javascript:window.open(this.href,\n  '', 'menubar=no,toolbar=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,height=600,width=600');return false;\">\n\t\t      <span class=\"p-button-social__social-text\">Tweet<\/span>\n\t\t    <\/a>\n\t\t    <a class=\"m-feedback-prompt__social--button p-button-social has-icon googleplus fa fa-google-plus\" href=\"https:\/\/plus.google.com\/share?url=http:\/\/jschaeffer.us\/sandbox\/airgasthinks\/keeping-freshness-in-the-mix-with-modified-atmosphere-packaging\/\" onclick=\"javascript:window.open(this.href,\n  '', 'menubar=no,toolbar=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,height=600,width=600');return false;\">\n\t\t      <span class=\"p-button-social__social-text\">Google Plus<\/span>\n\t\t    <\/a>\n\t\t    <a class=\"m-feedback-prompt__social--button p-button-social has-icon linkedin fa fa-linkedin\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=http:\/\/jschaeffer.us\/sandbox\/airgasthinks\/keeping-freshness-in-the-mix-with-modified-atmosphere-packaging\/&title=Keeping Freshness in the Mix with Modified Atmosphere Packaging\" onclick=\"javascript:window.open(this.href,\n  '', 'menubar=no,toolbar=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,height=600,width=600');return false;\">\n\t\t      <span class=\"p-button-social__social-text\">LinkedIn<\/span>\n\t\t    <\/a>\n\t\t  <\/div>\n\t\t  \t<div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__display m-feedback-prompt__form no\">\n\t\t  \t<div class=\"thanks feedback-nodisplayall\"><h2>Thanks!<h2><div class=\"m-contact\"><p>Thanks for getting in touch with us.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t    <form id=\"contact-form\" class=\"new_support_request\" action=\"\" accept-charset=\"UTF-8\" method=\"post\">\n\t\t    <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"authenticity_token\" name=\"authenticity_token\" value=\"659de24d36\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/sandbox\/airgasthinks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1925\" \/>\n\t\t      <input value=\"http:\/\/jschaeffer.us\/sandbox\/airgasthinks\/keeping-freshness-in-the-mix-with-modified-atmosphere-packaging\/\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenturl\" id=\"currenturl\">\n\t\t      <input value=\"Keeping Freshness in the Mix with Modified Atmosphere Packaging\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenttitle\" id=\"currenttitle\">\n\t\t      <label class=\"is-required\">Help us improve. Give us your feedback:<\/label>\n\t\t      <textarea class=\"p-input__textarea\" name=\"feedbackmessage\" id=\"feedbackmessage\"><\/textarea>\n\t\t      <label class=\"is-required\">Your Full Name:<\/label>\n\t\t      <input class=\"p-input__text\" type=\"text\" name=\"feedbackfullname\" id=\"feedbackfullname\">\n\t\t      <label class=\"is-required\">Your email address:<\/label>\n\t\t      <input class=\"p-input__text\" type=\"text\" name=\"mailinglistemail\" id=\"mailinglistemail\">\n\t\t      <div class=\"feedback-message\" id=\"feedback-message\"><\/div>\n\t\t      <div class=\"__submit\">\n\t\t        <input type=\"submit\" name=\"commit\" value=\"Submit\" class=\"p-button\" id=\"submit-contact-form\" data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:submit\">\n\t\t      <\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:18px;\"><strong>Increase shelf life while reducing waste, returns &#038; preservatives <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What do packaged raw meats, a tin of nuts and a bag of gluten-free pretzels have in common? They all let out that satisfying puff you hear when you open a fresh package. This puff of gas is a sign that your food was packed using Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), a food packaging solution that lengthens the shelf life of food. The success and safety of using MAP in the food manufacturing process depend on a reliable and consistent supply of expertly-mixed gases. Since the gases you choose have an effect on the taste and appearance of the product, it\u2019s important to select the right gas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 style=\"font-size:18px;\"><strong>Choosing the right Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) gas for the job<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>MAP works by adding gas\u2014commonly nitrogen, carbon dioxide and oxygen\u2014to food packaging to improve the shelf life, appearance and taste. The gas or mix of gases used for a particular application is selected based on the type of product being packaged. The gases commonly used for MAP each have different effects on the color and freshness of packaged foods.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> \u201cThe gas makeup that goes into the packaging plays a vital role in how long the food stays fresh, how it tastes and how it looks in the package,\u201d said Bill Adams, Director of Food and Pharma Solutions at Airgas, an Air Liquide company. \u201cIn order to make effective recommendations, gas suppliers need to know about the product being packaged and the manufacturer\u2019s goals for the product\u2019s shelf life, taste and appearance.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Adams, \u201cWe typically deal with nitrogen and carbon dioxide in most of our blends. The factors that go into determining the blends are based on the type of product being packaged: Is it a cooked product, a protein product, a dough-based product or is it a mix like a sandwich, which has bread, dairy, meat and produce?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if a customer is packaging ground beef, they typically use a three-gas mix. This mixture helps maintain the red color of the product over the course of its shelf life. Alternatively, food manufacturers can use a high-ox mixture consisting of 80 percent oxygen and 20 percent carbon dioxide. Oxygen keeps the product looking red and fresh, while carbon dioxide limits bacteria growth. Shelf life and product quality are usually extended when exposure to oxygen is limited or eliminated. Oxidation and oxidative rancidity result in a shorter product shelf life and accelerated product quality deterioration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For products like chips, baked goods and nuts, freshness, rather than appearance, is the primary goal. Nitrogen and carbon dioxide work to accomplish this by flushing oxygen out of the packaging to prevent oxidation, which can lead to stale tasting food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For gluten-free products, it is difficult to maintain freshness for longer shelf life without using gas. If your distribution process lasts longer than four days, without gas, the quality of the gluten-free products will most likely be poor by the time they reach the consumer. Packaging the product with carbon dioxide will extend the shelf life beyond that of a product packaged without gas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Compliance considerations in the mix&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When determining the right gas blend for a MAP application, it\u2019s important to keep compliance with industry regulations top of mind. While MAP preserves food, since it also affects the quality of food, it is carefully regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA requires that food manufacturers using MAP provide a<a href=\"https:\/\/wayback.archive-it.org\/7993\/20170406184713\/https:\/www.fda.gov\/Food\/GuidanceRegulation\/RetailFoodProtection\/FoodCode\/ucm188201.htm#parta6-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\"> Hazard Analysis and Critical Control<\/a> plan, which includes details about the types and proportions of food-grade gases used in a given process. The ability to accurately and precisely control the levels of gases in a MAP mix helps food manufacturers stay in compliance with FDA regulations. Compliance, consequently, can help prevent costs associated with fines, recalls and spoilage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 style=\"font-size:18px;\"><strong>Driving efficiencies with Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>MAP drives efficiency and reduces costs by lengthening the supply chain of manufactured goods. The success of MAP, however, depends on choosing the right gases for a given application and ensuring compliance with FDA requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Map your future success<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When <a href=\"http:\/\/jschaeffer.us\/sandbox\/airgasthinks\/three-keys-to-accurate-modified-atmosphere-packaging\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"choosing gases for MAP (opens in a new tab)\">choosing gases for MAP<\/a>, be sure to collaborate with your gas supplier to achieve your goals for shelf life, freshness, taste and appearance. The right gas can make all the difference in keeping your food manufacturing operation effective, efficient and compliant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> Need help with your Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) process? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airgas.com\/industries\/food-industry\/modified-atmosphere-packaging\/contact-form\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Connect with us<\/a> &gt; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Was this article helpful? &nbsp; &nbsp; Awesome, share it: Share Tweet Google Plus LinkedIn Thanks! 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