Modified atmosphere packaging uses advanced production technology and packaging materials with selective permeability to achieve the purpose of allowing food to "breathe" freely. This packaging technology has been widely used in some products, such as small food packaging, coffee packaging, and processed meat packaging. Today, it is also increasingly used in refrigerated and pre-processed convenience foods, especially in the packaging of freshly sliced agricultural products, specialty cheeses and pre-packaged sandwiches.
Modified atmosphere packaging is very popular in the global market because of its ability to effectively keep food fresh and have low side effects. In Norway, modified atmosphere packaging extends the shelf life of fish, fish products and shellfish by an average of 1.5 times, allowing consumers to easily buy fresh salmon in modified atmosphere packaging in supermarkets; in supermarkets and food stores in the United States Most popular semi-finished products, as well as fresh food, pasta and salads that can be eaten directly, are now mostly packaged in modified atmosphere.
Fresh-keeping gas is an important element of modified atmosphere packaging technology. It is generally composed of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2) and a small amount of special gases. According to the needs of the characteristics of the food to be packaged, the air in the packaging box (bag) is replaced with fresh-keeping gas, and the storage environment of the food in the packaging box (bag) can be changed to inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria and slow the metabolism of fresh products. Extend the freshness and shelf life of food.