SUITABILITY OF PLASTIC FILMS FOR MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Suitability of plastic films in standard configurations to maintain modified atmospheres was evaluated for common fruits and vegetables. Most films did not result in optimal O2 and CO2 atmospheres, especially when produce had high respiration. Produce with low and medium respiration could be matched with films considering O2 permeability requirements alone. MA packaging systems designed to produce optimal oxygen at suitable temperatures could have complications from transient temperature increases during storage and/or transportation. Respiration rates of fruits and vegetables increase more with temperature than do gas permeabilities of films. Higher than optimum temperatures could cause anoxia and seriously damage produce. More permeable gas pathways and temperature compensation to equalize Q10 values are needed for MA packaging systems to function effectively.