Freshness is a crucial element in the food industry, especially in the bakery industry. The quality of bread and other baked goods is directly affected by time and storage conditions. This is where modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) comes into play. This innovative technique has changed the way food is preserved. It not only guarantees freshness for longer, but also preserves quality.
What is Modified Atmosphere Packaging?
Unlike high-pressure processing, which uses high pressures to kill microorganisms in food, modified atmosphere packaging involves altering the gas composition inside the package. This process replaces normal air with a gas mixture. These can include carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen (HotForm, 2024).
As the oxygen concentration decreases and the carbon dioxide concentration increases, the growth of microorganisms is inhibited. Oxidation is also reduced. This is critical in the context of food science, as product quality and safety are highly dependent on the handling of the storage environment.
How does Modified Atmosphere Packaging work?
During the packaging process, specifically in bakery, the bread is placed in a sealed container that is filled with this gas mixture. Usually with a mixture of 50% carbon dioxide and 50% nitrogen (Plaumann, 2023). The carbon dioxide helps prevent bacterial growth, while the nitrogen acts as an inert gas that prevents oxidation. This approach not only prolongs the shelf life of bread, but also maintains its texture and flavor.
Food chemistry plays an essential role in the process, as understanding the chemical reactions within the package allows the freshness of the product to be optimized. For example, Non-GMO food also benefit from MAP by extending their freshness and quality.
Advantages of Modified Atmosphere Packaging in Bakery
Implementing MAP in bakeries offers multiple advantages. First, it improves product freshness, which translates into a better consumer experience. In addition, this technique helps reduce food waste. By keeping bread and other products fresh for longer, producers can minimize losses and optimize their production.
Another aspect to consider is the reduction of cross-contamination. With proper packaging, contact between different products is limited. This is especially relevant for bakeries that handle allergens. In a raw commodity trading that demands quality, MAP packaging becomes an essential tool to comply with standards.
Recommendations for Implementation
To implement modified atmosphere packaging effectively, it is essential:
- Perform an initial evaluation of the products.
- Identify those most susceptible to spoilage in order to prioritize the use of MAP.
- Select the appropriate gases for each type of product.
- Invest in machinery that guarantees hermetic sealing.
- Take into account regulations, such as the FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Program).
- Train personnel in best practices to ensure proper handling of packaged products.
In conclusion, MAP is an effective solution for preserving food freshness. In bakeries, it can also be a key strategy to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs.
If you want to learn more about bakery products that will increase your production, visit our Disjobel USA website. Your bakery deserves the best quality and at Disjobel, we have the best supplies to give you.
Referencias Bibliográficas
HotForm. (2024, 24 de noviembre). Modified and controlled atmosphere for better preservation of fresh produce
https://www.hotformpackaging.com/2023/11/14/modified-and-controlled-atmosphere-for-better-preservation-of-fresh-produce/
Plaumann, B. (2023, 11 de mayo) What is modified atmosphere packaging?
https://www.packaging.kuraray.eu/blog/modified-atmosphere-packaging/