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Fish/Seafood

MAP in the Fish and Seafood Industries

MAP is food packaging in which the earth’s normal breathable atmosphere has been modified in some way. Usually combined with lowered temperatures, it is a highly effective method for extending the shelf-life of food. Air Products’ Freshline® food grade gases will help extend your fish and seafood products’ shelf life, improving quality and minimizing waste. Our experts will help you choosing the right food gas mixtures, depending on your products and production processes.

Freshline Interactive Selector
Freshline MAP for Raw Fish and Seafood
MAP overview
MAP data sheet

Other Applications

Product NameDescription/BenefitsDownloads
Gases

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide inhibits the growth of most aerobic bacteria and moulds. Generally speaking, the higher the level of CO2, the longer the achievable shelf-life. However, CO2 is readily absorbed by fats and water - therefore, most foods will absorb CO2. Excess levels of CO2 in MAP can cause flavour tainting, drip loss and pack collapse. It is important, therefore, that a balance is struck between the commercially desirable shelf-life of a product and the degree to which any negative effects can be tolerated. When CO2 is required to control bacterial and mould growth, a minimum of 20% is recommended.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is an inert gas and is used to exclude air and, in particular, oxygen. It is also used as a balance gas (filler gas) to make up the difference in a gas mixture, to prevent the collapse of packs containing high-moisture and fat-containing foods, caused by the tendency of these foods to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. For modified atmosphere packaging of dried snack products 100% nitrogen is used to prevent oxidative rancidity.

Oxygen

Oxygen causes oxidative deterioration of foods and is required for the growth of aerobic micro-organisms. Generally, oxygen should be excluded in MAP but there are often good reasons for it to be present in controlled quantities including: maintain fresh, natural colour (fresh meat), to maintain respiration