A new white paper, which addresses key quality assurance aspects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for food processing applications, is now available for free download.
Created as a collaborative effort between Dansensor, a MOCON (NASDAQ: MOCO) company and Campden BRI, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, UK, Modified Atmosphere Packaging Quality Control, provides industry professionals with a good overview of quality control and assurance best practices for MAP. The white paper targets meat, poultry, dairy, snacks, baked goods, seafood, coffee, ready-to-eat meals and convenience foods which can benefit from extended shelf life.
"Although MAP has been around for a long time, we are frequently asked questions by those either new to the process or by food processors who are looking to see if they have the right procedures in place. Instead of pointing them to multiple external sources, we are now able to provide a good road map of what should be considered during the evaluation and decision making process," said Karsten Kejlhof, sales and marketing director, Dansensor
The 11-page document is broken into multiple sections so that the information can be easily referenced and digested. These include a definition of MAP, hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP), audits/certifications (IFS, BRC, ISO), traceability and a basic quality assurance/quality control checklist for MAP production.
The white paper drills down into specifics such as test frequency, sample size, packaging speed, on- and off-line testing, regulatory requirements, traceability data and more.
"Our objective was to create a single 'best practices' source for MAP. One that not only could be used as a reference source by food processors, but also as a basic educational document for those who may currently taking university-level courses in food processing or packaging," Kejlhof said.