Okuzeka
Food Science & Technology vocabulary · Packaging and Labeling

Modified atmosphere packaging

Meaning in food science & technology, with examples

nounCommon term

In food science & technology, modified atmosphere packaging means: Packaging in which the air inside the pack is replaced with a gas mixture, usually of nitrogen, carbon dioxide and sometimes oxygen, to slow down spoilage.

In Turkish: modifiye atmosferde ambalajlama, MAP

How it is used

Usually shortened to MAP. Used for fresh meat, cheese, salads, bakery products and snacks. Carbon dioxide slows bacteria and molds, nitrogen fills the space and stops the pack collapsing, and high oxygen keeps red meat bright. Labs check the gas mix with a headspace analyzer. MAP does not replace chilling.

Example sentences

  1. Modified atmosphere packaging with 30 percent carbon dioxide doubled the shelf life of the sliced cheese.

  2. The minced beef is sold in modified atmosphere packaging to keep its red color.

Common collocations

  • gas mixture
  • headspace analysis
  • MAP tray
  • gas flushing
  • high-oxygen MAP
  • vacuum packagingPackaging in which the air is removed from the pack before it is sealed, so that the film fits tightly around the product and oxygen is kept away.
  • shelf lifeThe length of time a food stays safe and keeps its expected quality when it is stored under the stated conditions.
  • packagingThe materials and containers that hold and protect a food product, and also the process of putting the product into them.
  • lipid oxidationA chemical reaction between fats or oils and oxygen that breaks them down and produces stale, rancid flavors and smells.
  • cold chainThe unbroken series of refrigerated storage and transport steps that keeps chilled or frozen food at the right temperature from production to the consumer.

More terms: Packaging and Labeling

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: