This post is also available in: Persian Armenian
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is known as one of the most advanced and effective methods for preserving and maintaining the quality of food, pharmaceuticals, and other sensitive products. By changing the composition of gases inside the packaging, this technology provides ideal conditions for increasing shelf life, maintaining quality, and preventing product spoilage. In addition to the technical and scientific benefits, using this technology in accordance with global standards is essential for protecting consumer health. In this article, we will explain the various aspects of this technology, the gases used in it, the benefits, the different types of MAP packaging, global standards, and their impact on manufacturing industries.
History and evolution of MAP
The history of modified atmosphere packaging dates back to the 1970s, when it was introduced as a solution to combat rapid food spoilage and maintain its freshness. Initially, this technology was mainly used in the meat and fish industry to prevent bacterial spoilage and preserve the natural color of the products. However, with the passage of time and the advancement of science, the scope of application of this technology expanded to other industries such as vegetables, fruits, bread, dairy products and even certain medicines.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Process
In the MAP process, the composition of gases inside the package is precisely regulated. The main gases used in this process include nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxygen (O2), each of which plays a specific role in increasing shelf life and maintaining product quality.
- Nitrogen (N2): Due to its non-reactivity, this gas inhibits the growth of microorganisms and reduces product spoilage. Nitrogen is particularly used in packaging that needs to preserve flavor and texture.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide prevents the growth of aerobic bacteria by creating a low-oxygen environment and reduces the respiration of products. This gas is used in food packaging and even medicines that need to maintain quality.
- Oxygen (O2): In some cases, it is necessary to maintain some oxygen within the package, especially for meat products that need to maintain their natural color and appearance. However, in the packaging of other products, reducing oxygen can prevent microbial spoilage.
Types of MAP packaging
Modified atmosphere packaging is used in a variety of ways, some of the most common types being:
- Multi-gas MAP: This type of packaging uses a specific combination of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen to provide the best storage conditions for each type of product. This method is usually used for more complex products that are sensitive to gas changes, such as fresh meats, fish, and vegetables.
- Single-gas MAP: In this type of packaging, only one gas, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, is used to maintain the freshness of the product. This method is best suited for products that do not require a specific gas composition, such as some fruits and nuts.
- Modified Atmosphere Packaging (Active MAP): In this method, not only is the gas composition inside the package changed, but the package itself has the ability to change and regulate the gas pressure. This type of packaging is specifically designed for foods with a very short shelf life or that are sensitive to spoilage.
- Vacuum MAP: This method involves sucking air from the package to minimize the pressure inside. This type of packaging is used for products such as meat and fish that require such conditions to maintain their flavor and texture.
Important notes for buyers of MAP packaged products
For buyers of food products presented in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), it is important to pay attention to the following points:
- Production and Expiration Date: Always check the production and expiration dates of products packaged with MAP. These products usually have a longer shelf life, but it is important to check the expiration date of the product to ensure its quality.
- Proper Storage: Some products packaged with MAP may require special storage conditions, such as a specific temperature or protection from light. This information is usually listed on the product label, so be sure to check the storage conditions before purchasing.
- Packaging containers: Keep in mind that packaging materials must be of suitable and resistant material to prevent moisture, air, or other environmental factors from penetrating the package. Avoid purchasing products whose packaging is damaged or torn.
- Gas materials used: Sometimes different gases may be used for different products. The appropriate gases should comply with international standards to ensure that the taste, texture and nutritional value of the product are maintained.
- Maintaining quality after opening the package: Some products may need to be consumed more quickly after opening the package to prevent loss of quality. Avoid consuming products that have changed color or taste after opening the package.
Global standards and legal requirements for the use of MAP modified atmosphere packaging
The use of modified atmosphere packaging technology has increasingly become a requirement in developed countries. Many countries require manufacturers to use this technology to maintain the quality and safety of food products. These standards include solutions for supplying the gases used, monitoring the quality of raw materials, and ensuring the quality of product packaging.
In developed European countries, such as Germany, France and the UK, there are legal requirements that require manufacturers to use MAP-based packaging to maintain the quality of food products. For example, according to the European Union Food Packaging Regulation (EU 2017/1798), the use of packaging that reduces spoilage and preserves nutritional value should be a top priority for manufacturers.
In the United States and Canada, similar regulations exist for food products that mandate the use of specific gases for food packaging in some sensitive products. In these countries, organizations such as the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) and the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) oversee the quality of food packaging and encourage manufacturers to use high-quality gases for MAP.
In East Asia and developed countries such as Japan and South Korea, MAP packaging is considered an industry standard for preserving fresh and high-quality food. In these countries, consumers are looking for products that are manufactured in accordance with modern technologies and global standards, which in turn has created a greater demand for MAP-packaged products.
Why should we choose MAP packaged products?
- حفظ سلامت مصرفکننده: استفاده از بستهبندی اتمسفر اصلاحشده به تولیدکنندگان این امکان را میدهد تا از مواد نگهدارنده شیمیایی کمتری استفاده کنند و این موضوع باعث میشود که محصولات طبیعیتر و سالمتر باشند. با کاهش استفاده از مواد شیمیایی، خطرات احتمالی برای سلامت مصرفکننده به حداقل میرسد.
- Longer shelf life and reduced food waste: MAP packaging allows manufacturers to keep their products on the market for a longer period of time without worrying about premature spoilage or loss of quality. This reduces food waste and spoilage globally, which is good for the environment.
- Guaranteed product quality: MAP packaging ensures that the taste, color, texture and nutritional value of the products are optimally preserved. This technology is especially essential for sensitive foods such as meat, fish, vegetables and fruits.
- Consumer Demand: Today’s conscious consumers are looking to purchase products that are manufactured and packaged according to international standards. With the increasing public awareness about the importance of advanced packaging such as MAP, consumer expectations in this regard have also increased. In other words, if a product does not benefit from modified atmosphere packaging, it is likely to be quickly rejected by consumers as unsuitable for maintaining quality and health.
Why should companies use MAP modified atmosphere packaging?
Companies and manufacturers should know that in the not too distant future, market competition will be based on packaging quality and consumer health. In addition to maintaining the quality and health of products, MAP modified atmosphere packaging helps brands gain more credibility in the eyes of consumers. In developed countries, especially in the European Union and the United States, food packaging standards have been developed in such a way that the use of MAP is considered a legal requirement for manufacturers in many food categories.
These companies should be aware that failure to use modern technologies such as MAP can reduce their competitiveness in the global market and even lose export markets. In many countries, customers tend to buy products that they are sure have been packaged under optimal conditions and produced in compliance with global standards. Therefore, failure to use MAP can lead to a decrease in sales and brand reputation.
Roham Supply Fluid: A pioneer in supplying industrial gases for MAP modified atmosphere packaging
As one of the main suppliers of industrial and medical gases, Sial Tamin Roham supplies the gases required for modified atmosphere packaging using the latest technologies and in accordance with global standards. The company is always striving to provide healthier and higher quality products to various industries by providing high purity gases.
Relying on international standards and closely monitoring the gas supply process, Sial Tamin Roham Company plays a key role in maintaining the quality and safety of food products and other sensitive products. The gases supplied by this company increase the shelf life and preserve the natural taste and texture of the products.
————————————————–
Sources: