Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is defined as ‘the packaging of a perishable product in an atmosphere which has been modified so that its composition is other than that of air’ (Hintlian and Hotchkiss, 1986).
It is one of the most updated options to traditional packaging technologies and involves removing and replacing the atmospheric gases with a predetermined gas mixture to slow down the product aging process and preserve the fresh colour, taste and nutrient content throughout an extended shelf life.
The three main gases used in this process are oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. The choice of gas or mixture of gases is very dependent upon the food product being packed.
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