Page 37 - FoodFocusThailand No.217 APRIL 2024

SMART PRODUCTION

reactions. When nitrogen and carbon products would be extended for a longer period. Moreover, the reduction of oxygen
dioxide are mixed, this mixed gas is gas by replacing it with carbon dioxide or nitrogen gas in the packaging inhibits
partially absorbed by liquids and fats the growth of aerobic microorganisms and fungi, as shown in Table 1.
contained in the food, preventing the Whether it is food that undergoes chilled or frozen processing or carbonated
shrinking of packaging. In addition, drinks and sparkling water, proper gas application can help them maintain their
oxygen replacement with mixed gas will quality, taste, and freshness for a longer time throughout their shelf life. Carbon
inhibit the growth of microorganisms. dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen are commonly used in the food industry to increase
However, the gas mixture is depending efficiency in terms of production and storage.
on the type of food. For example, the
mix of carbon dioxide and nitrogen
fortified with oxygen is suitable for white
meat and fish because oxygen gas can More Information Service Info C005
react with hemoglobin and keep it fresh
as well as prevent physical changes.
In the beverage industry, beer that
has undergone specific processing and
packing often uses gases such as
carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or mixed
gases, especially a mixture of carbon
dioxide and nitrogen gases. Carbon
dioxide gas alone is suitable for soft
drinks and beer, while mixed gas is
suitable for premium beer, fermented
beer from barley, spirits, and cider
because the gases create bubbles in the
beverage and provide taste and
mouthfeel. If food manufacturers need
to use mixed gases, they must ensure
that the two gases do not interact. This
is because mixing gases is an irreversible
process. Carbon dioxide gas is
commonly used after processing, such
as creating bubble fermented and
carbonated drinks (cider). Although
beers naturally contain some level of
carbon dioxide from the brewing process,
using the proper gas mixture will help
maintain the overall gas balance in the
food packaging. In particular, carbon
dioxide gas maintains the initial volume
of carbon dioxide gas, and nitrogen gas
will create pressure while opening the
packaging.

Modified atmosphere packaging
(MAP) and food storage
Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen
gases play an important role in food
preservation and packaging technologies
such as modified atmosphere packaging
(MAP) for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Gas control inside the package and
systematic storage benefit a shelf-life
extension. These methods can increase
the duration of safe consumption by
more than two times. If modified
atmosphere packaging (MAP) was
applied in combination with refrigeration
or freezing, the shelf life of some

APR 2024 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND 37

21/3/2567 BE 19:51
33-37_Smart Production_�����������.indd 37 21/3/2567 BE 19:51
33-37_Smart Production_�����������.indd 37