MAP -what does it mean?

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is being used more and more within the food industry. It involves the use of specially developed packaging materials combined with a change in the internal atmosphere in the package to achieve prolonged shelf life of the product, whilst maintaining high quality.

Air is removed from the package and is replaced with another gas. This prevents the growth of any oxygen requiring food poisoning bacteria. It does, however, allow the growth of anaerobic bacteria (those that do not need oxygen to grow), for example; Clostridium botulinum. Therefore manufacturers of these products must do regular microbial testing to ensure that the product always contains bacterial levels less that those stated in Chapter One of the Food Standards Code (http://www.foodstandards.gov.au).

The type of gas used is dependent upon the actual product and can even be a combination of gases. MAP is ideally suited to raw red meat as the gas not only extends shelf life but can enhance the colour of the product as well. Cryovac meat products are now commonly available and are ideal for use in many food businesses.

The MAP product can be in bags, or in trays sealed with a film, depending upon the product and market. The type of packaging used in this system is critical, as it must provide strength and good sealing. There is a trend toward the use of thinner materials in the tray and film versions of MAP, which will potentially reduce costs, but must be done to still ensure material effectiveness.

Biodegradable materials are also of growing interest to MAP product manufacturers, to address their need to be more environmentally friendly in processing and packaging, although with this packaging method there is generally minimal packaging wastage.

There is increasing attention being paid by both customers and food businesses to the total appearance of the package - particularly for retail sale. This packaging type allows this readily, with many of the films containing high quality printing, giving a very attractive total product.

Typical MAP products include; meats, poultry, fish and seafood, pasta, ready to heat meals, pre-baked rolls, sliced cheese, salads, and sliced fruits. Although there is a definite cost increase in using MAP product due to the increased costs in processing and packaging, the advantage of extended shelf life and high quality are factors well worth considering in deciding whether to purchase these products.

It must be remembered that once a MAP product has been opened, it must be treated as any other perishable product, and therefore both stored and handled correctly.