Modified atmosphere packaging and its effect on quality and shelf life of fruits and vegetables - An overview

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is intended to create an appropriate gaseous atmosphere around a commodity packaged in film packages to enhance shelf life and to conserve the quality of the packaged produce. One of the most important factors to be considered during design of MAP is the selection of packaging film whose permeability to different gases would help in regulating the gaseous exchange during storage. However, MAP is only a supplement to good temperature and humidity management as any change in storage environment can push up the respiration rate of packaged produce to dangerous levels resulting in spoilage. The present review is intended to cover the important facets of MAP so that its application to a wide range of fruits and vegetables may help in ensuring maximum returns to the producer and a long lasting quality product for the consumer.