Modified Atmosphere Packaging Applications
Our Modified Atmosphere Packaging products verify the replacement of oxygenated air in packaged food with nitrogen or carbon dioxide.
Why control oxygen in plastic food packaging and food packaging containers?
- Oxygen encourages the growth of aerobic microorganisms including yeasts, molds, and spoilage bacteria.
- Oxidizing enzymes speed up chemical reactions in food, resulting in browning and foul odors.
- Oxidizing lipids can oxidize resulting in off-flavors and loss of nutrients in fat-containing foods
Trace Oxygen Analyzers
To test the amount of trace oxygen in packaged foods, a trace oxygen analyzer is required. For example, the portable TecPen Modified Atmosphere Packaging Oxygen Sensor can test oxygen levels down to 4 parts per billion.
In addition to replacing the oxygen in a package, carbon dioxide may also be added. CO2 inhibits bacteria growth and lowers the pH level of preserved food.
To test for both trace oxygen and carbon dioxide the TecPen MAP Oxygen & CO2 Headspace Analyzer measures both in packaged foods.
Trace Oxygen Sensors
For on-line production or head-space measurement, the TecMicro Oxygen Sensor can measure 0-100% oxygen in air or liquid. These optochemical gas sensors can measure oxygen levels from a few parts per billion to 100% O2 by volume in ambient air or in liquid depending on the model. This makes them useful for breweries, modified atmosphere packaging, testing head-space gases, and other automated line modified atmosphere packaging applications.
Cryogenic Food Processing
The food processing industry uses cryogenic gases like liquid nitrogen or CO2 to freeze driven with high density BTU available by weight. CO2 is used as well where higher volumes of gas are required because of the process dynamics. Either gas is interchangeable with modified process times, in flush tunnel and immersion processes.
