Robert McLaughlin
Reducing spoilage and extending the shelf life of red meat products is a significant challenge in the food industry. Advanced packaging technologies such as vacuum packaging, Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), and skin packaging play a crucial role in addressing this issue by reducing exposure to oxygen and contaminants. We recently spoke with Robert McLaughlin, Ossid Regional Sales Manager, to get an in-depth look at how Ossid’s packaging equipment leverages these technologies to enhance the shelf life of red meat products.
Leveraging Advanced Technologies to Extend Shelf Life
Our packaging equipment employs cutting-edge technologies like vacuum packaging and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) to significantly extend the shelf life of red meat products. The initial bacterial load, package quality, and consistent product temperatures are crucial factors in determining shelf life. Our systems ensure the best possible conditions for these variables. We offer high-quality sealing systems for various materials and use advanced vacuum pumps to achieve low residual oxygen levels, which are critical for preserving product freshness and extending shelf life during and after the packaging stage.
Benefits of Vacuum Packaging
Vacuum packaging is highly effective in preserving the freshness and quality of red meat by removing oxygen from the package environment. This process significantly reduces pathogen growth and oxidative rancidity. Our equipment features superior vacuum technology for various packaging methods, including tray sealing, flow wrapping, overwrapping, and thermoform packaging. By ensuring a tight seal and low oxygen levels, our vacuum packaging systems maintain the freshness of red meat, extending its shelf life and reducing spoilage.
Role of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) plays a crucial role in extending the shelf life of red meat products by controlling the package environment’s gas composition. Our equipment utilizes the latest technology to optimize MAP, utilizing solutions like tri-gas mixes and high-oxygen packaging. This approach helps maximize shelf life and, in the case of high-ox applications, preserves the fresh red bloom of the meat, maintaining its appealing appearance. By precisely controlling the gas mixture, our MAP systems ensure that red meat products remain fresh and visually appealing for longer periods.
Enhancing Protection with Skin Packaging
Skin packaging technology provides superior protection and presentation for red meat products, thereby extending their shelf life. This method offers the same barrier protection as traditional vacuum packaging, maintaining the product’s integrity and freshness. Our equipment supports skin packaging in both thermoforming and tray sealing lines, ensuring that red meat products are securely enclosed in high-barrier materials. This technology not only enhances the visual appeal of the meat but also significantly extends its shelf life by preventing exposure to contaminants and oxygen.
Real-World Examples of Shelf Life Extension
The most significant gains are seen when customers transition from non-vacuum to vacuum packaging environments, resulting in shelf life gains of two weeks or more. Additionally, customers using overwrap packaging combined with mother bagging have seen substantial benefits in shelf life extension. This method reduces pathogen growth from the time of packaging until the product is opened and displayed on store shelves. These real-world examples demonstrate how our advanced packaging technologies effectively extend the shelf life of red meat products, reducing food waste and enhancing product quality.
Conclusion
Incorporating advanced packaging technologies such as vacuum packaging, Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), and skin packaging is essential for extending the shelf life of red meat products. By reducing exposure to oxygen and contaminants, these technologies help maintain the freshness, quality, and visual appeal of red meat, ultimately reducing spoilage and food waste.
For more information on how our packaging solutions can benefit your operations, please reach out to our sales team or visit our website.
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