Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is an important tool for extending the shelf life of a wide variety of foods. Examples are shredded cheese, baked goods, ground meat, seafood, nuts and baby formula. MAP also reduces the need for chemical preservatives in the food.
Typical gases used in MAP are nitrogen, carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen. Some MAP mixtures are two gas (CO2/nitrogen, CO2/oxygen) and some are three gas (CO2/nitrogen/oxygen, CO2/nitrogen/carbon monoxide). Since regulations do not require the listing of MAP gases on labels consumers are unaware of the widespread usage of MAP.
Gas mixtures for MAP are typically provided by on-site mixing systems where the gases are supplied by bulk systems. Since food packagers often run multi-shifts per day it is critical that the gas supply system and gas mixer are highly reliable. When specifying a gas mixer this information is vital:
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